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Pasadena Lakes Elementary School
Staff Handbook
2016-2017
“Panthers Have Super Powers! What’s Yours?”
[pic]
Janet C. Phelps, Principal
Mokisha Spencer, Assistant Principal
Dear Staff Members:
This handbook is to assist you in understanding and fulfilling your job as a staff member at Pasadena Lakes Elementary. It has been designed to answer many questions veterans, as well as new teachers, sometimes ask. General and specific information is alphabetically provided. An appendix of forms used within the school and certain School Board policies have also been added.
Teachers are requested to keep this handbook in a convenient place and refer to it. Most questions concerning school policies or operational procedures can be answered by referring to the handbook. If you still are uncertain or have suggestions for change or improvement, please feel free to see us.
Pasadena Lakes Elementary School's philosophy is based on the premise that all students can and will learn. While pupils differ in their abilities, all children need to develop skills, realize their potential and become productive members of society. Our primary task is to establish and promote a learning environment where each child may realize his/her potential in intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth and development.
As a staff member, it is your responsibility to read and adhere to information and directives within this handbook.
Sincerely,
Janet C. Phelps
Principal
PASADENA LAKES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
mission statement
We, the PLE Family, are committed to ensure that all students receive a quality education, within a safe and nurturing learning environment.
BELIEFS
We believe in maintaining and contributing to a positive and supportive environment for the total school community.
We believe all children should be provided with equal educational opportunities that allow children to learn within their own developmental stages through their own individual learning styles.
We believe in reinforcing the values that exemplify productive citizenship and increase appreciation of all cultural heritages.
We believe that teachers, parents, students, and administrators should work together in order to foster positive self-image and mutual respect and to install a desire to become a contributing member of society.
We believe in providing an atmosphere that is safe, nurturing, and accepting, where children can enjoy learning.
We believe in recognizing and appreciating those individuals with special needs.
We believe in promoting cooperative decision making through the involvement of the total school community.
We believe that strategies for learning need to be taught throughout the elementary grades.
ACCIDENTS - STUDENTS
If a student is injured, you are to report this to the office immediately and complete an accident form. Every injury, however slight, is to be reported to the office as a protection to you and to the school. It is very difficult to answer a parent asking why he/she was not notified about his/her child's injury when it has not been reported.
When a student receives a minor injury on school grounds, the teacher in charge may render such help as is advisable under the circumstances and then send the student to the office with a completed clinic pass for additional aid, if necessary.
In case of a serious injury to a student, the teacher should buzz the office or send a student to the office for help. Do not move the student!
When a student/person appears to be injured, or has been involved in any type of accident in your classroom, make the child/person comfortable. Immediately call the office. Do not move the injured party until a member of administration has made the decision that the child's/person's injury will not be compounded by movement.
ACCIDENTS/STAFF
If any injury to an employee is not reported within twenty-four (24) hours, he/she may not be covered under Workers' Compensation. For more information, refer to School Board Policy #2301 – Reporting Injuries 1-800-374-4811(After Hours). All accidents must be reported to Worker’s Compensation.
ACCREDITATION
The schools of Broward County are accredited by the Florida State Department of Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Overall school improvement is the underlying reason for school evaluation and self-study projects. Every year, the school will develop goals that relate to the SACS self-study and school improvements.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
Pasadena Lakes Elementary offers a school operated program. Students participating in the Pasadena Lakes Academy (PLA) are to be dismissed to their designated areas at 2:10 p.m. for attendance. PLA After School Child Care workers will meet their students in their designated area. Students will remain with an assigned staff member until they are picked up by their parent or guardian.
If staff members need students after school that attend the PLA, arrangements must be made with the director of the program. Staff must also sign students out and back into the program. Please note for some activities outside of PLA may require parent permission to be signed out by staff.
Pasadena Lakes After Care Academy will be held from 2:10 - 6:10 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on holidays or teacher workdays and 12:10 – 6:10 p.m. on Early Release Days.
If teachers need students enrolled in the PLAC after 2:10 p.m., the teacher must meet with the PLAC Director for approval and directives on how to sign-out and sign-in a student to the program. Students must be accounted for until dismissed to a parent/guardian.
ADULT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Pasadena Lakes offers a variety of learning opportunities along with the School Board of Broward County. All staff are encouraged to participate in on-going learning opportunities in order to help them understand the Florida Standards and how to address the individual needs of students.
Curriculum
Assessment
Remediation
Enrirchment
Please see the PLE monthly calendar to keep up-to-date on adult learning opportunities.
ARRIVAL PROCEDURES
Students in the Before School Child Care Program will begin reporting to the cafeteria at 6:40 a.m. Breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. Students will remain in the cafeteria until 7:40 a.m. and then be dismissed to designated locations.
Children should enter the doorway closest to their classroom and sit or stand quietly outside the classroom door, unless they are assigned to another location.
The following rules should be reviewed with students as needed:
• Students must walk to the right at all times with hands behind their backs or at their sides.
• Students should keep hands and feet off the walls.
• Students must pass quietly through the halls.
ASSEMBLIES
General assemblies are usually held at the need or desire of the faculty and students, and often evolve from activities begun in the classroom.
Specific assemblies will be called by administration to provide information. Please actively supervise students during assemblies.
Be sure to arrange for the use of the cafeteria and/or stage area by notifying an administrator via e-mail and posting it on the Activities Calendar in the office. This system is needed to properly plan and to avoid conflict. Notify the custodial staff of your plans at least three days before the event, if you need their assistance, equipment, or materials.
It is generally desirable to invite parents or other interested persons to assemblies. Our goal should be to give every student an opportunity to perform in public.
When assemblies are held and your class is invited, make sure you accompany them to the assemblies and supervise their behavior while they are there. If it is the "special" teacher's time with your class, he/she will be responsible.
Assemblies should be educational and classroom teachers should prepare the students prior to attending the assembly. Follow-up should be conducted when returning to the classroom. It is also an excellent time to discuss and teach proper etiquette.
ATTENDANCE - STAFF
All staff members are to sign in by 7:40 a.m. each day or at their designated time assigned by administration. The sign-in log is located in the copy room. Any staff member leaving during the day should pull their card from the Little Black Box found in the copy room and follow procedures. All request to leave early should be submitted to administration for approval.
ATTENDANCE - STUDENTS
It is the responsibility of the instructional personnel to keep accurate attendance records for classroom use and for transmission to the front office.
Attendance must be taken daily on Pinnacle by 9:00 a.m. each day.
Absences and tardies should be done carefully, as attendance records are legal documents.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR MARKING ATTENDANCE
Attendance is taken on Pinnacle (a web based program).
A parent or guardian may send a note or call the school within 2 days of a child’s absence. Send the note to the office. If the office receives a call or a note, it will be documented.
Both excused and unexcused absences along with tardiness and early sign-outs will be counted when determining a student’s pattern of non-attendance. A student will have a pattern of non-attendance if he or she is absent from school for a total of 30 hours (5 days) in 30 days or 60 hours (10 days) in 90 days. A student must be referred to the social worker to determine if there is a pattern of non-attendance. The teacher should call the parent if the child is out for three consecutive days or shows a pattern of non-attendance and document the reason.
Any excessive or questionable absences should be reported to the principal. The parent or guardian will be contacted by the principal and/or principal's designee concerning absences or tardies. If the parent cannot be contacted by the school, a referral to the Social Worker will be made.
Teachers may wish to use the attendance letter regarding unexcused absences if they do not receive a note or call from a parent. Please see Ms. Raymond in the front office to receive a copy of this letter.
Make-up work for credit and grade is allowed for ALL excused absences and suspensions. Make-up work is due on the day of return from suspensions.
Students are not to leave the school during the day for any reason without permission from the office.
AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS
The media specialist serves as the key person in coordinating the A.V. materials and equipment.
Many materials and services are available through Learning Resources, BECON, and FDLRS. Discuss any needs or ideas with the media specialist or your team leader. Any videotape or film that is not borrowed from PLE’s Media Center, BECON or Learning Resources must be approved by the administration at least three (3) days before being shown. See the Media Specialist to receive a copy of the Videotape Approval Form. Any videotape over 30 minutes in length must be approved by administration.
Students should be instructed in the proper use and care of all A.V. materials used within the classroom. Students should never be allowed to move A.V. carts containing heavy equipment.
Classes are held in the Media Center for a portion of the day to instruct students in the development of library and research skills and to develop an appreciation of literature. Teachers are encouraged to send students to the Media Center for enrichment, browsing, and for research when the media specialist is available to assist students.
New teachers should schedule an orientation with the media specialist early in the school year.
Each teacher is issued numbered pieces of equipment (television, LCD projector, document camera, etc.) which may be kept in the classroom until the end of the school year. Do not move AV or technology equipment from one room to another. Please avoid using masking tape to label A.V. equipment. Equipment needing repair should be returned to the media specialist with a note saying what is wrong.
Faculty members may check out A.V. equipment and other types of equipment to use off campus for educational purposes by completing a property pass and receiving written approval from the principal. Staff members will be responsible for the return of this equipment. (See Appendix 11)
Please make requests for materials and equipment from the media specialist at least two days in advance via e-mail.
Maps and movie screens should be checked regularly to make certain that they are securely fastened and are not in danger of falling on anyone thereby causing serious injury.
See School Board Policy 6100 and the Media Center Handbook for Audiovisual Materials Use Policy and Guidelines.
BEHAVIOR (See also DISCIPLINE)
At no time shall students be sent to the office unless they are a danger to themselves or others. Staff should utilize CHAMPS as an appropriate progressive discipline plan to meet the needs of students. Please see the school-wide positive behavior plan located in the CAB conference.
Additional information on the behavior management of students is contained in the district's Student Conduct and Discipline Code book.
BIRTHDAYS
Parents are permitted to send in store bought cupcakes or cookies only to celebrate their child’s birthday. Parents are not allowed to pass out cupcakes, cookies or donuts and must drop them off. These will be distributed during lunch or recess as not to detract from instructional time. Parents are being asked not to send in cookies or cupcakes containing peanuts. They are also not to send in drinks, balloons, flowers, gifts, prizes, etc.
BULLETIN BOARDS
Bulletin boards should be attractively decorated. Use tacks and staples on the bulletin boards provided. Do not staple, tape, or tack displays to the walls or doors.
Standards to be maintained for displays and bulletin boards:
1. Correct spelling
2. Neat, uncluttered
3. Pertinent to curriculum or management procedures. The standard must be
posted in the middle or corner of the bulletin board.
4. Completed in a reasonable length of time
5. Student or teacher made (preferred)
6. Remain up for a reasonable amount of time
7. Classroom displays may include, but are not limited to:
a. Classroom management procedures
b. Student of the week
c. "Good work" papers in all areas of curriculum
d. Composition/Creative writing board
8. All student's work should have a name and date clearly visible
9. Include title, standard, and teacher’s name to hallway bulletin boards
10. Cafeteria and hallway displays must be of excellent quality
Please remove all tacks and staples from your bulletin boards at the end of the year.
BUS TRANSPORTATION
Broward County provides bus transportation for students living more than two (2) miles from the school or that require them to pass through hazardous conditions. It is the responsibility of each teacher to see that students are dismissed at the appropriate time to catch their bus. Kindergarten through fifth grade students who ride Broward County Public Schools’ buses and day care bus riders should be escorted to the cafeteria at 2:05 p.m.
Detailed information such as schedules, transportation forms, etc. will be provided at the beginning of each school year.
CAFETERIA
Students who pay by check must do so by 8:40 a.m. every morning. Students who pay for their lunch, whether reduced or full pay, may pay at breakfast or lunchtime. We must adhere to this requirement or we could lose all federal funding to the school. On-line payments are also being accepted at .
Students are to be reminded to adhere to the cafeteria rules. This is more easily accomplished if the teacher reinforces appropriate cafeteria behavior with a reward. The entire afternoon is affected by the behavior of your students in the cafeteria.
The following manners should receive classroom attention and reinforcement:
P – Polite voices used
A – Always ask permission
W – Walk away from a clean table
S – Stay in your seat
Students are not allowed to re-enter the kitchen after they have been served. Therefore, they should develop the responsibility for remembering napkins, milk, utensils, etc.
At the end of the scheduled cafeteria time, students are to remove trays, lunch bags, and all other refuse from the tables and check the seats and floor for food, etc. It is the student's responsibility to see that his/her area is cleaned up. The procedures are to be taught by the classroom teacher and reinforced on a regular basis.
Free and reduced price meals will be provided for students who qualify and are authorized by administration. New Free and Reduced Meal Applications must be submitted each year to verify qualification in this program. The students who received such meals the previous year will be given a two week grace period to resubmit the necessary application. After that time the meals will be discontinued if applications are not submitted. Free and Reduced Meal applications will be available all year long in the front office (limited amount available) or on-line.
Meals, hot coffee and drinks are not to be consumed in front of students during instruction time. Please do not walk through the halls with hot liquids as accidents may occur. Coffee is not to be made in the classrooms.
CELL PHONES
Cell phones should be off or on vibrate during student contact time, faculty meetings and inservice workshops. In the event of a bomb threat (Code Black), cell phones must not be utilized.
At least one chaperone on each bus must have a cell phone during field trips. The phone number must be given to the bookkeeper prior to boarding the bus.
CERTIFICATES
It is imperative that each teacher have an updated copy of his/her teaching certificate on file in the school. Teachers new to the school must bring in their certificate, and give it to the office manager who will copy and return it to your mailbox in a timely manner.
Florida Statute requires each teacher to keep his/her certificate current. Failure to do so will result in non-renewal of your contract.
CHILD ABUSE REPORTING
Florida Statute requires educators to report any alleged or actual child abuse/neglect to the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
If you suspect a student is being abused or neglected, you may discuss your feelings or suspicions with the guidance counselor or the principal. You may directly report the case to DCF by calling the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE.
The guidance counselor is our child abuse contact with county level officials. The guidance counselor, principal, or assistant principal can assist you in reporting an abuse case by telephone and completing the necessary forms.
COLLABORATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING TEAM (CPST) / RtI Team
The Comprehensive Problem Solving Team (CPST) or Response to Intervention (RtI) Team, provides multi-disciplinary services to the teachers and students in order to help ensure greater success on the part of students. The CPST/RtI meets on a regularly scheduled basis to address identified problems and suggest possible interventions.
The team may include the principal, assistant principal, school psychologist, social worker, district personnel, guidance counselor, exceptional student and education specialist. Other school personnel join the team as the need arises.
Referrals are made to the CPST/RtI by any staff member, a parent, or anyone who has observed a need in BASIS 3.0. Staff must also upload data and graphs to support their referral.
Rationale for the referral may include but not be limited to:
• Academic concerns
• Behavioral concerns
• Emotional concerns
• Health concerns
• Need for social services
• Possibility of retention
• Improper placement of a student
Completed referral forms should be given to Literacy Coach or Guidance Counselor.
CLASSROOM CARE
It is the responsibility of instructional personnel to establish a neat, attractive environment for learning. This will encourage proper pupil respect for neatness and order.
Teachers should have all books, workbooks, scraps of paper, or pieces of crayons picked up by students before dismissal time. Teachers should maintain an orderly classroom by having students keep books and materials off the floor. These little things help to make the rooms easier to clean.
In general, teachers are discouraged from using nails, screws, glue, tacks, tape and/or staples for attaching items to walls or woodwork. Ask for help from our custodial staff in this area. Please do not use masking tape or scotch tape on the whiteboards, doors (except on the glass), carpets, walls, floors or any painted surfaces. Magnets work on whiteboards.
Please be sure to remove staples or tacks from the floor after changing bulletin boards. If glue is used in the classroom and accidentally spills on the carpet, please notify the custodial staff right away so that it may be removed before it dries.
Students should not put their feet on the walls. This has happened when teachers place students in a corner. Students should not mark on/in their desks.
Remind students that all four legs of the chair should be on the floor. A number of chairs are broken due to students tipping or leaning back on them. This is also a safety factor.
All chairs should be stacked by the students at the end of each day. Do not allow students to place chairs on the desks.
We can all assist in maintaining our building in a clean and attractive manner. The custodial staff empty trash cans, sweep/vacuum daily, dust, clean as needed, supply soap and paper towels to your classroom, and cooperate with any reasonable request made by the instructional staff.
Students should not be asked to empty garbage cans but can assist by emptying small recycle bins into the larger ones.
E-mail any maintenance or cleaning problems to the head facilities serviceperson, assistant principal, or principal.
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
The management and supervision of students is the responsibility of each faculty member. Each teacher is expected to have and successfully implement a classroom discipline plan with clear and concise rules, procedures, rewards, and consequences. Class rules are to be posted and reviewed.
CLINIC
Students who become ill or are in need of medical attention should be sent to the clinic with a clinic pass. A supply of clinic passes may be obtained from the office. When necessary, the office will contact the parents and the teacher will be notified if the child is to go home. Names of all students who are sent to the clinic will be entered on the clinic log. The type of treatment/medication will be noted.
Any child who is dismissed early because of illness must be picked up in the office and signed out by a person whose name appears on the registration form. The teacher will be notified if a student is being dismissed.
No medication (including cough drops, aspirin, eyedrops, nasal sprays, etc.) for students should be kept in the classroom. Please send any such items to the office with the student. Medication may only be dispensed by the administrator or designee in the front office. This is done only upon written consent from the student's parents and physician on an Authorization for Medication form.
General first aid for an emergency situation is available for any student or employee of the school. Several staff members are trained in First Aid and are certified in CPR. Names of people/certified are posted in the office.
COMMITTEES
Committee assignments are made at the beginning of each school year. Committees formed should promote a cooperative approach to problems, needs, or objectives.
These responsibilities should be shared among the faculty and all staff members. All staff members will be serving on at least one committee.
Special committees or task forces will also be formed to study different topics during the school year.
A brief description of the responsibilities of some faculty committees follows:
Safety/Discipline Committee
• Initiates a total school safety program, including School Contingency Plan
• Stimulates the development of safety awareness attitudes
• Establishes good safety rules and encourages safety practices at all times
• Suggests a system for improving cafeteria etiquette
• Examines alternatives that would motivate improvement in behavior
• Updates schoolwide safety and positive behavior plans
Sunshine Committee
• Establishes guidelines for social responsibilities
• Sets up budget to cover expenses for social activities
• Plans and coordinates all social activities for the staff
Technology/Science & Math Committee
• Keeps staff abreast of technological trends/materials
• Previews hardware/software for possible purchase
• Inservices staff on use of technology
• Applies for technology grants
• Suggests how technology can be integrated into the curriculum and into the School Improvement Plan
Team Leaders
• Monitors the School Improvement Plan (SIP)
• Serves as member of the Professional Development Team
• Serves as member of the Media Advisory Committee
• Serves as a liaison between the principal and faculty
• Assumes leadership in coordinating grade level activities and in resolving areas of concern as they occur
• Assists in the preparation of County, State, and Southern Association reports
• Coordinates ordering of materials and supplies for their grade level
English Language Arts/Writing Committee
• Previews reading materials
• Monitors the implementation of School Improvement Plan goals for reading
• Attends reading inservice
• Inservices staff on reading materials and teaching strategies
• Coordinates reading activities
• Serves as the state mandated reading council
• Previews writing materials
• Monitors the implementation of SIP goals for writing
• Attends writing inservice
• Inservices staff on writing materials and teaching strategies
• Coordinates Literary Fair
Science Committee
• Monitors the implementation of the School Improvement Plan goals for science
• Previews, suggests, and orders science materials
• Works with Science Fair Coordinator to plan the Science Fair
Math Committee
• Previews/suggests/orders math materials
• Monitors the implementation of the School Improvement Plan goals for math
• Coordinates math activities
• Attends math inservice
• Inservices staff on math materials/teaching strategies
Career Day Committee
• Plans Career Day activities
• Schedules speakers
School Advisory Council
• Collects and analyzes data pertinent to the school and community
• Formulates school goals
• Monitors school activities
Each committee (with the exception of the Team Leaders Committee) will elect a chairperson to serve as a liaison between the principal and the committee. Committee reports will be given at monthly School Advisory Council Meetings (SAC) and faculty meetings whenever the need arises.
COMMUNICATIONS
Regular faculty and grade group meetings are important for coordinating activities in a well-organized school. Staff meetings, Professional Learning Communities and committee meetings will normally be held on Tuesday afternoons and/or will be called as needed. Please keep Tuesdays free and check the faculty calendar and/or “The Staff Shorts” for announcements of any meetings.
Each staff member is expected to attend meetings unless there is an excused absence. If you miss a meeting, it is your responsibility to obtain the information disseminated and discussed at the meeting. A staff meeting is a professional meeting and your actions and conduct should always be professional.
Routine information is passed on to teachers by regular written bulletins, team leaders/grade chairpersons, e-mail, posted announcements, or WPLE.
Be sure to check the faculty calendar daily and your mailbox every morning and afternoon before you leave school. All telephone messages will be sent to your voicemail or placed in your mailbox unless it is an emergency call.
Our newsletter to parents, Pasadena Press will be posted to our website. Notices to parents should be distributed to students the same day the teacher receives them, unless otherwise directed.
All communications such as letters to parents, field trip notices, etc., must be cleared through the principal's office before being sent home. A copy will be kept on file with administration.
Noise, conversation, etc., tend to magnify over the intercom system. Teach children to get quiet immediately when you are called by the office. It can be embarrassing when a parent comes for a child, the office calls your room, and there is an excessive amount of classroom noise heard over the intercom. Children are not to answer for the teacher. An intercom call is to be answered by the teacher only. When replying to the office via the intercom, please be aware there are other people (i.e., parents, visitors, etc.) in the office.
Personal telephone calls, notes, and e-mails should be limited to your break and lunch times.
CONFERENCES
Conferences are an important part of reporting pupil progress to parents and can be a great help in furthering home-school understanding. Teachers should request at least two (2) conferences per year per student. Teachers should proofread forms for grammatical errors, spelling, punctuation, etc. The conference form should be completed and signed by all persons in attendance at the conference. Conference dates should be reflected in your grade book next to students' names.
Try to arrange conferences at school where you can sit down and show work samples, textbooks or other resources and discuss the child's progress in-depth. These may be scheduled on teacher planning days, before and after school. If parents are unable to come into the school, phone conferences should be written up, then sent home for parent's signature. At the end of the school year, conference forms will be filed inside each student’s cumulative folder.
Conferences involving unusual concerns should be referred to the principal. When it becomes necessary for other school personnel to attend a conference, such as Special Area Teachers, or Exceptional Education Teachers, make plans in advance to avoid conflict.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Confidentiality of student information should be observed at all times. Teachers should not discuss a student's behavior, academic progress, or problems in the staff lounge or other social places. Grades should not be humiliating to any student. No grades or test scores should be read aloud in class.
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
No one may attend school with a communicable disease. This includes, but is not limited to: chicken pox, conjunctivitis (pink eye), head lice, impetigo, measles, mumps, pinworm, ringworm, and scabies.
A student or staff member suspected of having a contagious disease is to be sent to the office immediately. Many of these diseases spread rapidly and are not recognized by parents. Teachers are not to diagnose such diseases, but must report all suspected cases immediately. Diagnosis is to be done by the appropriate medical personnel. Persons who have been absent due to a communicable disease may not return to school without clearance from the appropriate medical personnel and the school office. If a student enters your classroom without such clearance, he/she is to be sent to the office immediately and not re-admitted without approval from the office.
Do not put yourself in jeopardy of contracting these communicable diseases by not following proper procedures. All staff members are required to wear gloves when treating any injury involving body fluids, blood, or contagious diseases.
COPY MACHINES
Materials may be copied by staff, paraprofessionals or volunteers who have been properly trained on the copy machines. The loading and unloading responsibilities are likewise limited to trained personnel. If there is a jam or problem with the machine, notify office personnel immediately. Do not try to fix the machine yourself.
Worksheets that are provided with county adopted instructional materials may be copied without permission from the administration.
Any classroom teacher who wishes to have other materials copied must have the material approved by the administration first.
COPYRIGHTS
Please refer to School Board Policy #6318. The Educator’s Quick and Essential Guide to Copyright is included in the Media Center Handbook located in the school’s media center.
CUMULATIVE RECORDS
Cum folders and pupil progression records must be maintained in compliance with School Board Rules and Policies. These are documents which, if subpoenaed, would provide information in court concerning the child's academic progress, educational history, and attendance.
Each teacher must have a cumulative folder for each student enrolled in his/her classroom. Requests for records of students transferring to Pasadena Lakes are made by the registrar.
Each teacher should review cum records as soon as students are assigned or received.
The guidance counselor, literacy coach, and ESE specialist will also be reviewing all cum folders after they are received.
A list of students with special health problems or concerns will be made. The office, the classroom teacher and ‘specials’ teachers will be informed of health problems or concerns. A complete list of students with health problems will also be in the clinic.
A Broward County Cum Folder will be made for each out-of-state or out-of-county student within five (5) days after the student enters our school. When a student officially withdraws from your class, submit the completed cum folder to the office within two (2) school days.
All cum folders will be checked for completeness by the registrar before being sent to the requesting school.
Cum folders are to remain in school at all times and are to be kept in a secured area. Our cums are located in the records room off the front office.
Cum Folder Procedures:
1. When a new student arrives at a school, the clerical staff will write the student name and Florida State Identification (FSI) number on the cum folder.
2. A cum folder should be kept up-to-date and maintained in an orderly manner.
3. Cum folders are open to parent's scrutiny. Please remember this when writing information that goes inside them such as conference/interim forms.
4. If a student leaves the school prior to the end of the year, the cum should be updated and given to the registrar.
5. Cum folders are considered legal documents and transferred in two ways:
a. To a Broward County Public School, if the student moves within the county or
b. To Records Retention, if the child moves from the county or to a private or charter school within the county.
Contents of the Cum Folder:
a. Copy of all Registration Forms and proofs of address
b. Signed Student Conduct/Discipline Code/Media Release (last one)
c. Conference/Interim forms
d. Progress Reports
e. Any test profiles that are available
f. Work samples for current year only unless the student is in the RtI process.
Added to Cum Folder before sending to next school:
a. Headstart/Pre-K folder
b. LEPSEP (ESOL) Folder
c. ESE Folder
d. Health Folder - immunization record, physical exam, height/weight chart, and vision/hearing screening forms
CURRICULUM
Refer to School Board Policy #6000.1 – Student Progression Plan
1. Regularly scheduled instruction: Students shall receive regularly scheduled instruction in integrated English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, health, physical education, art and computer education. Special interest classes such as foreign languages shall be in accordance with state statutes and rules. Instruction shall be focused on ensuring that all students shall demonstrate mastery of the Florida State Standards.
2. Character Education: The character education traits that shall be integrated into the PreK-12 curriculum are respect, honesty, responsibility, self-control, tolerance, kindness, citizenship and cooperation.
3. Special Areas: Students shall receive instruction in: the Holocaust; African and African American History; Hispanic contributions; Women’s contributions; Veterans’ contributions; the principles of democracy, its governmental and political structure, how to preserve and advance democracy and how students may contribute to the American way of life; and “Celebrate Freedom Week.”
4. Outside activities: Outside activities, such as contests and fairs, that use instructional time must be aligned with the Florida State Standards. See Policy 6303 for additional field trip information.
5. Family life/human sexuality instruction: Materials, resources, and speakers used in the Family Life/Human Sexuality component of the K-12 health curriculum must be approved by Health Education Services. Instruction should be appropriate for the age and grade level of the student and shall reflect current theory, knowledge and practice. Provisions must be made to allow parents to make a written request for their child to be exempt from this component.
6. HIV and sexually transmitted diseases instruction: Materials, resources, and speakers used in the HIV/sexually transmitted disease component of the K-12 health curriculum must be approved by Health Education Services. Instruction should be appropriate for the age and grade of the student and shall reflect current theory, knowledge and practice. Provisions must be made to allow parents to make a written request for their child to be exempt from this component.
7. Gifted education: See Policy 6000.5
8. Assessment: Each student must participate in statewide assessment tests at designated grade levels as required by Florida Statute. For students with disabilities and/or who are Limited English Proficient who meet state-defined exemption criteria, an alternate assessment must be administered. The school will provide parents with the results of each statewide assessment test. Ongoing assessment is an integral part of the instructional process.
9. Suspension of Curriculum: A regular program of curricula shall not be suspended for purposes of administering practice tests or engaging in other test-preparation activities for a statewide assessment. However, a school may engage in certain test-preparation activities for a statewide assessment. See SBBC Policy 6000.1
10. Physical Education: Elementary students, grades K-5, shall have 150 minutes of physical education each week to be delivered as 30 consecutive minutes per day. Physical education is defined as the development and maintenance of skills related to strength, agility, flexibility, movement, and stamina, including dance; the development of knowledge and skills regarding nutrition and physical fitness as part of a healthy lifestyle; and the development of positive attitudes regarding sound nutrition and physical activity as a component of personal well-being. Related services, such as physical therapy, may not be considered physical education for students with disabilities.
Curriculum Assessment Remediation and Enrichment (CARE) Packages and PLC’s
All staff are expected to utilize the CARE Process in planning and meeting the individual needs of students. Staff will also participate in PLC’s as part of their own professional growth plan. Adult Learning Opportunities are imperative and each faculty staff member must participate. If staff are absent, they are still responsible for the information and implementation.
DISCIPLINE (See also BEHAVIOR)
The Pasadena Lakes Safety and Discipline Committee designs and implements a school-wide discipline plan.
Teachers from each grade level and non-instructional personnel sign up for this committee at the first faculty meeting during pre-planning days of each school year.
Discipline guidelines are established in Policy #5301 as follows:
The principal, or in his/her absence, the person in charge of the school, shall have the responsibility for maintaining overall discipline within the school setting. The principal shall share with the teacher the responsibility for maintaining proper school conduct and morale. Further, he/she may delegate to the teacher such responsibility for control and direction of the students as he/she considers desirable, except that corporal punishment shall not be used under any circumstances. When and where such responsibility has been delegated the teachers shall be supported in any reasonable action they may take.
Each pupil enrolled in a school shall, during the time he/she is being transported to or from school at public expenses, during the time he/she is attending school and during the time he/she is on the school premises, be under the authority of the principal/designee or teacher in charge of the school, and under the immediate control and direction of the teacher, or other member of the instructional staff or of the bus driver to whom such responsibility may be assigned by the principal.
The Board shall do everything within its power to protect and support the principal and teachers in their disciplinary role. This shall include legal support in accordance with Florida Statutes, Section 230.234. In addition, the Board shall assist the principal, teacher, bus driver and/or other staff members in bringing about penalties for the disruption of school functions or assault upon the instructional staff as set forth under Florida Statutes, Sections 231.06 and 231.07.
All suspensions or expulsions shall be made in accordance with Florida Statutes and board Policy 5006.
Rules:
1. When disciplinary action is taken by the principal and/or his/her designee the teacher referring the disciplinary case will be advised in writing of the action taken.
2. A teacher may not suspend a child from school or class. However, in cases where an emergency situation develops, the teacher shall take such steps as are reasonably necessary to protect the students. The use of reasonable force necessary to isolate a disruptive student from the classroom shall not constitute corporal punishment as defined in accordance with Section 232.27 Florida Statutes, and shall not be used as a basis for the suspension of any member of the school staff nor for holding anyone liable for such an act unless force used is degrading or unduly severe as to its nature.
Teachers are not to contact parents to come and pick up a child for inappropriate behavior. There is no such thing as an informal suspension. All suspensions, internal or external, are to be done by administration following proper procedures. Teachers are to contact parents and inform them of inappropriate behaviors. However, phone calls and parent conferences should not be made within listening distance of others. Only in cases of severe misbehavior is there to be an immediate referral made to the office.
Additional information on the behavior management of students is contained in the district's Student Conduct and Discipline Code book.
Pasadena Lakes Guidelines:
1. A team shall be established to deal with extremely disruptive behavior. This team shall be utilized only when a situation arises that endangers a disruptive student, his classmates, or the staff of the school.
2. A teacher may not deprive a student from attending Media, P.E., STEM, etc. for disciplinary reasons. A student may not be denied attending a field trip by the teacher without prior approval from administration and notification to the parent.
3. Sending a child to others for discipline undermines your authority, causing the student to perceive others and not you as the authority figure. However, you may wish to send a child to a "Buddy" classroom for a SHORT "time out" period IF you have a prearranged agreement with a "Buddy" teacher.
4. Make sure that the referral is completely filled out on-line. Then send the student, accompanied by a responsible student, to the office.
Though the principal has the responsibility to maintain overall school discipline, the teacher must handle the majority of his/her discipline problems. Sending students to the office weakens the teacher's leadership. If it is necessary to refer a student to administration, all areas of the on-line referral are to be filled out. Do not advise the student of the action that will be taken by the principal/assistant principal. Consequences will be determined by administration based on the child's previous referrals, The Elementary Discipline Matrix, and in accordance to guidelines set forth by the School Board of Broward County.
Teachers are to teach their students the school and class rules. Modeling of behavior is to be used as well as other techniques. Parents are to be sent a copy of class rules, consequences, and rewards at the end of the first week of school. A copy of this item is to be submitted to the office prior to distribution.
The first two weeks' lesson plans are to reflect the techniques used for teaching school and class rules, consequences, and rewards. Rules are to be re-taught and reinforced as often as necessary.
Students new to the school are to be given a copy of the rules that were sent home during the first week. An acknowledgment form from the Student Code of Conduct Book is also required of your students. Parents of new students are to be informed of the rules, consequences and rewards as well.
Schoolwide discipline techniques shall include but not be limited to the following:
1. Talk with student.
2. Confer with parent(s).
3. Responsible punishment, other than corporal punishment. Punishment shall not be degrading, or unduly severe.
4. Counseling with guidance counselor.
5. "Time-out" corners established within the room or another classroom.
6. Detentions may be used as a means to discipline students only after written permission from the parent is obtained.
7. The student will be referred to administration, if the problem persists, as a last resort.
8. Administration will follow Broward County Public Schools Administrative Discipline Matrix – Elementary.
UNACCEPTABLE DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
Ridiculing a child, placing a child outside with no supervision, hitting, assigning meaningless written work, depriving of natural needs, pinching, putting a child in restroom or closet, screaming, or extreme physical exercise.
DISMISSAL OF CHILDREN
Encourage students to leave school grounds promptly at dismissal time. Students who remain past dismissal time should do so only upon teacher's request and with parents' permission. Staff circulates the school grounds to ensure that all students have left the campus in a safe and orderly fashion.
Students are not to be dismissed early or released to the custody of anyone without clearance from, or knowledge of, the principal's office. Adults coming to remove a student from school are asked to sign a check-out sheet in the office.
When a student brings a written request for early dismissal for any reason or change of dismissal routine, it must be approved by the principal/designee.
In the event of an emergency, the decision for early dismissal is made by the Superintendent of Schools. All schools are notified of this decision and a public announcement is made by local media (radio/television) to parents and the community.
Each student in your classroom should have an emergency dismissal form. The teacher keeps a copy and a copy is on file in the front office. Please discuss with your students the instructions given by their parents as to where they are to go if there is an emergency dismissal.
The Emergency Dismissal forms should be filed in a separate folder, properly labeled, and sent to the office. The teacher should keep a copy in the red folder in the classroom for his/her reference. (See Appendix #19)
Bus riders will be dismissed to the cafeteria promptly at 2:00 p.m.; walkers are dismissed at 2:05 p.m. Teachers are to walk students to the appropriate areas (car pick up, AfterCare, etc.) during dismissal times.
DRESS CODE
It is generally accepted that neatly groomed, appropriately dressed students tend to behave better than in cases where no attempts are made to encourage proper dress. Students will be expected to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct Book in matters of dress.
Teachers should naturally attempt to set a good example in matters of grooming and appropriate dress. Good grooming is taught by example. All staff members are asked to dress in a professional manner and use good judgment in the selection of attire.
Students must always wear closed-toe shoes when in the classroom or outside on the playground.
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS (ESP)
Paraprofessionals play a vital role in the instructional process and should be actively involved in the school program. Budgetary restrictions, SACS requirements and school needs will control the number of paraprofessionals available in any particular grade level.
Under the supervision of instructional staff, paraprofessionals assist in the preparation of instructional materials, supervise students in the cafeteria, work with individuals and small groups of children, supervise students arrival and dismissal from school, and perform other responsibilities. Their main function, however, is to assist with the reinforcement of skills.
Paraprofessionals are not to be solely responsible for classes. A teacher must be in a supervisory position of his/her class at all times.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS
For each child who is classified as English Language Learners (ELL), an ESOL folder shall be completed by the teacher. Required forms will be completed and will be maintained in the student's cumulative folder.
All teachers with Limited English Proficient students must be ESOL certified.
E-MAIL
Faculty and staff should receive and answer e-mail at a time when they do not have class/work responsibilities. Be aware that your e-mail may be read by ETS, SIU and others.
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
Refer to the school’s Emergency Plan for the following:
Code Red: Lockdown
Code Yellow: Emergency requiring all students to be under supervision and accounted for
Code Black: Bomb Threat
Behavior Intervention Team and Health Intervention Team
1. Principal/Assistant Principal
2. ESE Specialist
3. Guidance Counselor
4. Head Facilities Serviceperson
5. Literacy Coach
6. Nurse (Health Intervention Team)
7. Registrar (Intercom)
8. Office Manager
9. Micro-Tech
10. Autism Coach
11. Curriculum Support
12. Interventionist
For immediate assistance using your phone or the intercom:
1. Call office and say, "Behavior assistance is needed in room ______”.
Call office and say, "Medical assistance, is needed for student's name in room ___________.”
2. Office staff repeats the message.
3. Behavior or Health Intervention Team responds by going immediately to the area or to their post.
4. Intervention Team Leader identifies and begins to assess situation.
5. Intervention Team Leader plans and directs intervention team.
IMPORTANT: Everyone must remain calm throughout this emergency situation in order to provide the best possible service to the person needing assistance.
EMERGENCY INCIDENTS AND REPORTING PROCEDURES
All incidents involving but not limited to: weapons; gang activity; vandalism; theft; trespassing; assault; battery; substance possession or abuse; arson; student leaving class/campus; and/or accidents involving serious injury must be immediately reported to the office and in turn be immediately reported to an administrator. The administrator or designee shall follow Broward County Procedure pertaining to the incident.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to help employees solve personal problems that may or may not affect job performance. The School Board recognizes that employees experience problems such as marital or family conflict, abuse of alcohol and/or drugs, stress, and many other difficulties. Any employee may call EAP for assistance at any time. The administration need not be consulted or advised of such calls.
With help, most employees can solve their problems and lead happier, more productive lives. Supervisors are encouraged to refer employees to the EAP for humanitarian reasons and when work performance problems arise that do not seem to be caused by the work situation itself.
EAP offices are located at 499 NW 70th Ave, Plantation, (Suite 112) FL 33317. Phone Number is (754) 322-9900. Fax is (754) 322-9918. All referrals are held in the strictest confidence. There will not be any reference to an EAP referral on an Employee Evaluation or Record of Counseling.
END OF YEAR CHECKLIST
It would be advantageous to begin thinking about end-of-the-year responsibilities early in the fourth quarter. You will receive a list of exact requirements before May. The following list will give you a general idea of the requirements.
1. Cumulative Folders are to be updated.
2. Grade books and lesson plans are to be turned in to the office.
3. Prepare student articulation cards and submit to the office.
4. Turn in room key.
5. Rooms are to be neat and orderly to facilitate cleaning. All displays are to be removed from the bulletin boards. Student desks are to be thoroughly emptied and cleaned. Teacher’s personal items should be taken home.
ESOL STRATEGIES MATRIX
In order to assist teachers with the required documentation of ESOL strategies, the ESOL Education Department, in a joint effort with the Broward County Teachers Union, has developed a Matrix to assist in this documentation. This instrument has been approved by the Florida Department of Education.
The Matrix lists a number of ESOL strategies that, when used appropriately, will facilitate comprehensible instruction to English Language Learners (ELL) students in the classroom. Each strategy has been given a letter and a number of which teachers can use when they write their daily lesson plans. An addendum to the Matrix with an explanation for each strategy has also been included.
Please note that per the Florida Department of Education, having the list in the plan book is not sufficient documentation. Teachers can use the codes when writing out their plans and must become familiar with what each code stands for. As an example, if a teacher should indicate in the plan book that Strategy A1 was used on a determined day, such teacher should know that A1 is the use of “Total Physical Response” methodology.
EVACUATION PROCEDURES (Emergency Drills)
Procedures for emergency exit should be posted in each room and should be understood by the faculty and student body. (See Appendix #21 for evacuation routes) Maps indicating evacuation routes, primary outlined in red and alternate route in blue, should be posted in each classroom. The signal of an evacuation drill will be a loud continuous buzzing sound and students will exit according to the evacuation chart.
No talking should be permitted during the drill! Silence, order and attention are to be maintained at all times.
The teacher should assign a student to close the door or do so him/herself and be the last person to leave the classroom. Teachers should take their red folder containing emergency dismissal forms, which would include telephone numbers. Attendance should be taken once the students are lined up outside. All windows and doors are to be closed when leaving your classroom.
If your exit is blocked due to fire, use the nearest exit. Teachers should discuss alternate routes with students.
If a fire occurs during the lunch period, students should leave their lunch trays in place and file out through the nearest exit.
Students will be instructed to give immediate attention to their teacher for instructions on the proper exit routes to be used. Students and teachers are to wait for the all clear signal before re-entering the building. The signal to return will be given by word of mouth and will not be a continuous buzzing sound.
Fire drills are conducted once a month. The first evacuation drill shall be held within the first five (5) days after the opening date of school. Each teacher is to walk his/her students through fire drill procedures the first day of school.
EVACUATION OF SPECIAL NEEDS
Handicap access ramps are placed throughout the school. The evacuation of students with special needs are included in the general evacuation plans.
EVALUATIONS
Broward County Schools will be utilizing Broward Instructional Development and Growth Evaluation System, BrIDGES as the evaluation process for instructional staff. Log onto , use your Outlook address and set up a password.
All teachers will be formally observed by an administrator for at least 30 minutes during the school year, along with walkthroughs and informal observations. A Performance Development Plan will be established when necessary. The completion of the development plan must take place within the designated time frame.
Other School Board employees can view their evaluation instrument by logging onto the website. An administrator will go over your evaluation criteria in the beginning of the year or when you are hired.
EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT EDUCATION PROGRAMS
It is the responsibility of the school personnel to help screen and to identify students with disabilities (SWD). Students with suspected disabilities may be referred by parents and teachers to the RtI Team or ESE Specialist.
There are programs at Pasadena Lakes for Varying Exceptionalities including Specific Learning Disabilities, Educable Mentally Handicapped, and Emotionally Handicapped; Autistic, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Speech/Language, Gifted and Pre-K ESE.
Florida State Department of Education guidelines and District Procedures must be met before a student is accepted into any exceptional student program.
RtI referral forms must be accompanied by documented and dated anecdotal records. There must be documented evidence of two interventions attempted with the student. Also, two parent conference forms must be completed. See Appendix #12 for the referral form.
FACULTY MEETINGS
Faculty meetings are usually scheduled on the first Tuesday at 2:15 p.m. All faculty members are expected to attend. If you cannot attend, administration must be notified. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to discuss the agenda items with your team leaders. Absent team leaders should discuss agenda items with the school administration.
FAX MACHINE
The FAX machine should be used only for official school business. No personal materials may be faxed.
Confidential materials, such as psychological reports, IEPs and school records, may only be faxed with the principal/assistant principal's permission and an identified person at the receiving end.
FAMILY LIFE/HUMAN SEXUALITY EDUCATION
PARENTAL PERMISSION
1. K-3, notify parents of the teaching of Family Life/Human Sexuality Unit.
2. Grades 4-5, permission required.
3. Curriculum is available for parental review.
TEACHER'S GUIDE TO FAMILY LIFE/HUMaN SEXUALITY
1. Follow this guide carefully.
2. Use ONLY those materials listed as resource materials.
4. Use only approved agencies and organizations, i.e., public health nurse.
5. Do not use handout materials unless provided by the District.
6. Utilize Alternative Unit for those students not participating.
7. When dealing with menstruation, male and female anatomy and physiology, the classes must be segregated by sex.
FIELD TRIPS
All grade levels must plan at least 4 field trips per year (1 per quarter). Please note blackout periods during testing and other district-wide events and plan fieldtrips accordingly. Superintendent’s review and/or approval is required if the proposed trip is overnight, outside the tri-county area or is water-related. Trips requiring district approval must be submitted thirty (30) days prior to the date of the proposed trip. Please follow Field Trip Procedures checklist and guidelines.
Teachers' judgment should be employed in deciding whether or not an excursion is desirable in terms of distance, expenses, and ease of supervision.
No trip should be taken without proper teaching and planning in terms of purpose, procedures, and follow up. Field trips are an integral part of the educational program. However, it is recommended that not more than one field trip per semester, per class, be taken and should cost the parent less than $10.01.
Be sure to advise the principal of your intentions before field trip plans are finalized. Final plans must be submitted in writing to the principal before students and parents are notified and money is collected. In order for your field trip to be approved, field trip requests must be submitted on Field Trip Authorization Forms. Teachers must complete a Temporary Duty Authorization form (TDA) prior to attending the field trip.
Educational enhancement field trips are defined as: “The opportunity for students to link their classroom learning, knowledge and understanding of a subject with outside experiences. These realistic, outside experiences (field trips) must have clearly stated objectives that directly correlate to work performed in the classroom and the Florida Sunshine State Standards.”
Because these field trips are designed to enhance the educational curriculum, they shall not be considered a “privilege” to attend or participate. Therefore, students shall not be required to earn points or be required to meet other teacher established objectives to attend or participate. However, a teacher may deny a student the right to attend or participate on a scheduled field trip based upon his/her record of disciplinary behavior. The student’s record of behavior must be such that it presents a danger to themselves or others on the trip. Parents shall have the right to appeal any disciplinary exclusion directly to the school principal.
Schools must make provisions to assist any student who is unable to attend or participate on an educational enhancement field trip due to his/her inability to pay required cost/fee
Written parent permission must be obtained on an Authorization for Trip form. No student will be permitted on a field trip without written parent permission. These forms must be on file in the bookkeeper’s office prior to departure from school for the field trip and must be kept for audit purposes. If you have any problems concerning the inability of any child to pay for the field trip, please see the principal.
Requests for bus service must be made several weeks in advance. A charge will be levied for mileage and driver's time. See the bookkeeper to make arrangements for a bus. County buses are available, but times are usually between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
The use of private school bus companies is discouraged, but if a private bus company is used it must appear on the Board Approved List and insurance validity must be checked with Risk Management. Private bus companies may be utilized for fieldtrips depending on the departure/arrival time needed.
In order to have correct information for billing, Transportation has requested that an administrator or school designee sign a form provided by the driver. This will include:
Time Left School ____a.m.____p.m. Date___________Signature
Time Returned ____a.m.____p.m. Date___________Signature
The transportation of students in trams on public highways during a field trip is prohibited. Trams do not meet any of the passenger car safety standards. They are not crash protected nor do they provide seat belts. Use of trams in controlled environments such as Flamingo Gardens would be allowed.
A list of students for each bus shall be provided to the bus driver and bookkeeper immediately prior to departure for the trip. The driver may not leave school unless the list is provided.
There should be at least one adult for every ten students on all field trips. Do not plan on using a paraprofessional as one of your chaperones. Chaperones are not permitted to bring children that are not in the class on field trips. Teachers must bring student rosters on trips and always account for each student before, during and at the conclusion of the trip.
At least one chaperone on each bus should have a cell phone. The cell phone numbers must be given to the bookkeeper prior to departure for the field trip.
Responsibility for student behavior rests entirely upon the chaperones. Only in emergency situations should the bus driver need to be concerned with the students' conduct.
Funds collected by teachers from students must be recorded, according to county auditing procedures, and all monies must be turned in to the bookkeeper prior to the day of the trip. Parents will also be able to make on-line payments for field trips. All forms collected must be placed in a Field Trip envelope, e.g. TDAs, bus forms, etc. Field trip monies collected must be submitted in a monies collection envelope. All monies will be turned in to the bookkeeper daily before 10:00 a.m.
Advise the cafeteria manager at least three (3) weeks in advance if your field trip plans will take you from the school during your regular lunch time. This will allow the cafeteria staff to order special items for bag or box lunches if needed and prevent over ordering the regular lunch items. On the afternoon before the trip, please let the cafeteria know exactly how many bag lunches (students and adults) and how many milks you will need. The cafeteria should be involved in your planning.
Notify all special area teachers of upcoming field trips using the form.
Prior to planning a field trip, be sure to read and comply with School Board Policy #6303 and Standard practice Bulletin I-406.
Each staff member must complete a TDA prior to the field trip.
FIRE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
1. The signal for Fire Emergency is a loud continuous buzzing sound.
2. Evacuation routes are displayed in each classroom.
3. Response to alarm must be immediate.
4. Teachers should take their red folders containing emergency dismissal forms.
5. Close all doors.
6. Teachers take attendance once outside.
7. Remain outside until "all-clear" signal is given.
8. If a fire occurs during lunch, students are to leave trays and file out of the nearest exit.
In the event of discovery of a fire, sound the alarm, evacuate students, and notify the office immediately.
FOOD SAFETY AND CLASSROOM COOKING PROCEDURES
The following procedures should be adhered to when handling food:
• Students and staff (other than food service personnel) are not permitted to use stoves/ovens.
• Appliances which heat up should not be used in the classrooms. (toasters, hot plates, griddles, pop corn poppers, microwaves, etc.)
• Power switch on the range and range knobs must be in “off” position.
• Precautions should be used when cooking or preparing eggs or meat to ensure wholesomeness.
• Wash hands and work areas before and after contact with meats/eggs.
• Only store bought or packaged items should be used in food preparation.
• Store sharp utensils in a secure location (out of the reach of children).
• Use plastic or paper products in lieu of glass or china.
• No glass bottles or containers are permitted on campus.
• At close of cooking or food preparation experience, thoroughly cleanse all work areas and secure utensils and other materials properly.
HEALTH CONCERNS
A. MEETING OF HEALTH TEAM
• The teacher of record arranges a joint meeting with all the student's teacher(s), the assigned school nurse, and the student's parent/guardian at the beginning of each school year for health problematic students.
• The purpose of the meeting is to discuss any change in the student's health status, current medications and their side effects, health history, triggers, apparent times/seasons of episodes, emergency care needed, any health related information necessary to assist the student, how school staff will handle emergencies and inservice education.
• The registrar should make sure that health problems are noted on the student's health frame information. She obtains several different phone numbers to call in emergencies, e.g., mother, father, doctor, aunt, uncle, grandparents, etc.
B. MEDICATION AUTHORIZATION FOR STUDENTS
• The parent is given a Medication Authorization form for each medication that must be given during school hours. No medication is to be distributed to students unless a completed medication authorization form has been signed by a physician and is on file in the office.
C. FIELD TRIPS
• Students wishing to participate on a field trip must have Medication Authorization forms for any medication needed during a scheduled field trip. If the student needs a nebulizer procedure during a field trip that can only be administered by the parent, then the student must participate in an alternative activity if the parent cannot attend.
• Parents must provide the principal with an emergency care plan specific to the intended field trip for the involved student.
D. FLORIDA STATE STANDARDS– The Florida Standards are used to drive instruction. Staff are expected to assess and analyze data to assist in determining students understanding of the standards. Textbooks and other materials are to be used as resources to help students master the Florida State Standards.
E. BUDDY SYSTEM
• The best practice of school personnel for a health problematic student is to assign the student a buddy who can serve as a runner in times of an emergency. This is particularly helpful at lunch, physical education, or outdoor activities.
F. EMERGENCY CARE PLAN/CRISES
The Medication Authorization Form is used by the student's physician to identify any emergency care that may be needed by the student. The doctor notes information that can help prevent unnecessary emergencies.
Staff is made aware of symptoms to look for in order to prevent a medical emergency.
Teachers is made aware of possible side-effects of medication and to whom these observations should be reported.
The school maintains a list of students with severe allergic reactions. Copies of this list are given to all teachers, administrative school staff, and the school nurse.
All emergency information about the student is on file and is current.
School staff is made aware of 9-1-1 procedures.
Pasadena Lakes Elementary Emergency Information cards are completed and posted in obvious locations with current information.
Periodically, the principal has the playground, fields and buildings inspected for bee hives, wasp nests and red ant colonies.
Caution is taken with any classroom science project.
HEALTH RECORDS
There is a health record sheet for each child in his/her cum folder. Chronic illnesses should also be recorded on a student's health record sheet.
Records or information concerning a student's health is placed in the health folder immediately. A complete list of all students with health concerns is placed in the school clinic.
HIGHLY QUALIFIED
It is the responsibility of every teacher to submit a copy of his/her teaching certificate and passing score on the appropriate subject area exam.
If a teacher is not “Highly Qualified” per NCLB standards, a mandatory "Not Highly Qualified" letter must be sent home to parents. This letter should be sent home within one week of all students’ arrival. If a new student arrives after the initial "Not Highly Qualified" letter was distributed, he/she should receive a copy of the letter. It is the responsibility of the teacher to distribute the letter when a new student arrives.
HOMEWORK
The School Board has adopted a homework policy which began with the 2009-2010 school year.
A summary of the policy includes that homework:
• reinforces principles, skills, concepts, and information taught in the classroom
• is meaningful and appropriate to the ability and instructional level of students
• support creative, logical, critical and analytical thinking
• fosters self-discipline, self motivation and the wise and orderly use of time
• be adequately explained by teachers and clearly understood by parents
• requiring going to the public library will include a weekend to accommodate
working families
A guideline is that a student should have minutes of homework approximate to their grade level times 10.
Students should be encouraged to do voluntary homework, such as working on projects or scrapbooks. On an evening when no definite assignment is given, students should be encouraged to:
read books listen to worthwhile radio programs
review flash cards watch educational television programs
review word list practice music
play educational games assume home responsibilities
review number facts participate in community activities
The following guidelines will assure that homework activities result in a satisfying session:
•assignments should be on the student's independent level
•directions should be clear and precise
•copies should be clear and readable
Homework emphasis should be on strengthening skills taught in the classroom, as well as teaching students responsibility. Homework should be checked by the teacher and immediate feedback should be given. When appropriate, a homework assignment notebook should be kept by the students.
HONOR ROLL
CRITERIA FOR THE HONOR ROLL ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Principal’s Honor Roll: All A’s, on grade level, no 3's
Honor Roll: All A’s and B’s or straight B’s, on grade level, no 3's
Academic Achievement: All A’s and B’s or straight B’s, no 3’s
Personal Success: Showing improvement, no 3’s
An honor roll assembly sponsored by Partners in Education will be held each grading period. (See Appendix #35)
INCLEMENT WEATHER ARRIVALS AND DISMISSALS
Arrivals: On rainy days students are to report to the their assigned areas upon arrival. All personnel not assigned to A.M. duties are also to report to the hallways and actively supervise students. Students in portables/modulars will remain in the cafeteria until they can go to class. They will be supervised by assigned paraprofessionals and teachers.
Dismissals: Parents or legal guardians may sign-out students early if there is severe rain. Car riders will be dismissed as usual. School bus riders will be dismissed from the cafeteria and or hallways and should follow the direction of supporting staff. Day Care Van riders will be dismissed in the hallway near the front office. Walkers and bicycle riders will be dismissed based on weather conditions as assessed by the principal or principal's designee.
INSURANCE
Each fall, parents are given the opportunity to enroll students in school insurance plans. Completed forms are to be sent by U.S. Mail directly to the company.
INTERIM REPORTS
Board Policy 6000.1 states, "Not later than midway between marking periods, an interim report shall be sent to the parents of students who are experiencing difficulty," including but not limited to the following:
• Failing
• A drop of two or more grades
• Unacceptable behavior
• Excessive absences
Forms can be found electronically through Pinnacle. It is most important that this report be signed and returned to school. It is the teacher's responsibility to make sure the parent has signed the report. If the interim is not signed and returned, a copy should be sent in the U.S. Mail or with the school social worker.
One copy of the interim report should be placed in the student's cum folder, one sent home, and one kept in the teacher's files. Following the interim report, a parent conference is an opportunity to enlist the assistance of parents before the end of the marking period.
In the event that a student's behavior and/or grades drop after the regular interim report issuance date, the teacher(s) involved must send an interim report before that student can receive an F/3, or have a drop of two letter grades on his/her report card.
A copy of the interim report must be submitted to the assistant principal for any report card with F/3 or a drop of two letter grades in academics and/or behavior or the report card will be returned to the teacher for correction.
Do not give a student an interim report immediately before the report cards are submitted to the office.
Interims are due to the principal/assistant principal the week before they are to go home to parents.
Good Interim Reports provide support for students and enhance parental support.
INTRUDERS
Any suspicious person(s) should be reported to the office immediately. If a lockdown code is given, teachers should gather students, lock doors, and wait for an "all clear" signal. Refer to the school’s Emergency Procedures Guide.
KEYS
Keys are issued to a teacher and are not to be used by anyone but the teacher, unless approved by the principal. Teachers are not to allow students to use their keys.
It is a violation of School Board Policy to duplicate school keys. Teachers are financially responsible for any key lost during the school year.
LESSON PLANS AND CLASS RECORD BOOKS
Plan books and grade books are important parts of documentation and every teacher must have both. If using Pinnacle, print grades at the end of each quarter.
Organized and detailed lesson plans are required of each teacher. These should be recorded in the Teacher Plan Book and made out one week in advance in order to assure continuity. Group designation, basal text, and supplementary materials should be listed.
These specific details should be included:
1. Date of each weekly set of plans.
2. Name of book and teacher manual page number for each instructional group in reading and math. Also indicate Florida Standards for K-5, activities, evaluation, manipulative, and homework, if any.
3. Time schedule for each instructional group and each subject area.
4. Include the objectives for each subject taught.
5. Specify your lunch time as well as instructional planning (music, technology, PE, and media).
6. Please check items that you complete in the plan book for the benefit of a substitute.
7. Write in red caps at the top of page(s) for weeks you have any special duty/assignment. This is a reminder to yourself as well as a means of assisting your team leader to be sure your duty is covered.
8. Lesson plans will be checked periodically by the administration.
It is not a good policy to take the plan book home. If it should be at home and you happen to need a substitute, it must be returned by some means.
PLANS FOR SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS
1. In addition to the teacher's regular planning book, each teacher will
maintain a file of extra sets of dittos for language, math, and other topics which could be used as general review in the event that the substitute teacher
will have extra time. The exact location of these materials should be
noted in your plan book or in a substitute folder.
2. Schedules, attendance sheet, a class roster, and a seating chart, should be located in the front of your plan book or in a location that is readily accessible to the substitute. It can be pulled from Pinnacle.
GRADES
There should be a sufficient number of grades for each academic subject (a minimum of one per week) to determine an average and give the appropriate letter grade using the numerical scale of the report card. Please refer to the Student Progression Plan (School Board Policy #6000.1) for answers to any questions. Feel free to discuss acceptable grading procedures with the principal/assistant principal.
Grades should reflect daily work, board work, workbook pages, homework, projects, textbook tests, teacher-made tests, and quizzes. Grades should be labeled so that incomplete assignments can be identified and areas of weakness easily detected.
In reporting student performance for third through fifth grade, symbols (A,B,C,D,F) are used which represent the following equivalent numerical grades:
"A" Superior Progress.................................. 90-100
"B" Above Average Progress....................... 80-89
"C" Average Progress................................. 70-79
"D" Below Average Progress....................... 60-69
"F" Failure............................................. 59 or below
Teachers will use the numerical scale to determine a letter grade.
Plus and minus signs for academic grades shall not be used in marking the report card.
Teacher plan books and class records are to be available during evaluation periods and are to be placed in the teacher's mailbox on the last day before a holiday, and on scheduled dates for the assistant principal to review.
At the end of the school year, two documents (Lesson Plan Book, Class Record Book and/or Pinnacle printout) are filed in the office for state audit trail purposes.
LOST AND FOUND
Lost and Found articles are kept in the office or northeast hallway of Building I. All lost items should be turned in promptly. Students should be encouraged to check with the office for their valuable lost items and the hallway for other items.
LOUNGE POLICY
The use of the school lounge is primarily restricted to School Board employees. In compliance with Federal Regulations, smoking is not permitted in the lounge or in any other building on campus.
Conversation concerning students in our school is confidential and has no place in a group conversation, even in the staff lounge.
Each person should help to keep the lounge clean. The refrigerator should be cleaned out on Fridays and perishable food discarded.
mailboxes
Teachers should check their mailboxes at least twice a day. All telephone messages taken by the office will be placed in your mailbox. You will be notified immediately for urgent or emergency messages only.
MATERIALS & SUPPLIES/REIMBURSEMENTS
MATERIALS & SUPPLIES
Supplies are made available to teachers for the instructional program. It is the teacher's responsibility to pre-order supplies. Contact your team leader for necessary supplies. Team leaders will order requested materials.
REIMBURSEMENTS
No faculty member may purchase any item for which he/she expects reimbursement without written clearance from the principal. Requests for supplies and materials not available within the school may be made at any time to the principal via the bookkeeper.
MONIES COLLECTED
All monies to be collected in the name of the school must first have written authorization by the principal. A Monies Collection envelope may be obtained from the bookkeeper and must be returned daily. Parents will also have the option to make on-line payments.
An adult must physically submit monies collected to the bookkeeper on a daily basis before 10:00 a.m. This includes, but is not limited to monies collected for field trips, etc. It is the intent of the Auditing Department that the school pay all expenditures by school check only. Auditors check all forms for correct procedures and information. All monies collected must be funneled through school internal accounts. These collections are to be recorded on a Monies Collected Form. Always keep a copy of this form for your records, and remember to use blue or black ink only when completing this form.
OPENING EXERCISES
Opening exercises will be conducted via the intercom and/or closed-circuit television by students, teachers, and administration. It is the duty of the individual teacher to maintain an atmosphere where everyone can hear the announcements.
Taking attendance, collecting homework, and similar activities should not be done during opening exercises. This type of activity sends a negative message to students that opening exercises are not important.
Teachers should also begin the day with a bell ringer activity. The activity should include a quick ELA and math maintenance review.
OUTLOOK MAIL
Teachers should check their Outlook mail regularly (at least twice a day).
Whatever you post on Outlook and CAB can be read by others and may be considered a legal document and requested in the future. Even if you delete it, it is still in the system.
Conferences containing pertinent information may be posted in CAB or in Outlook Sharepoint.
PARTIES
Parties are a learning activity and a very important part of a child's growing up. However, classroom parties should be limited to two per school year. At Pasadena Lakes Elementary, a Holiday Party in December and an End-of-Year Party in June is the norm. Good manners and habits must be stressed. Requests for special parties should be cleared with the office.
PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION
Pasadena Lakes Elementary is fortunate to have an active PTA. The PTA has bestowed upon our school a great deal of assistance both in material goods and service functions. General PTA meetings are held at least four times per year. Monthly PTA Board and Advisory meetings are held to further communicate between the school and the community.
Teachers are not automatically PTA members. You are encouraged to join the Parent-Teacher Association. PTA membership is $5 per year.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION/NUTRITION
Elementary students shall have 30 consecutive minutes of structured Physical Activity each day. Teachers must document Physical Activity in their lesson plans each day. Suggestions for activities include: jumping rope, hoola hooping, basketball, soccer, Spoga, Fit Kids Classroom Workout, movement activities in the classroom, Body Bingo & dance. These activities must be structured.
If more than two classes are on the playground, please select a different recess time or select an indoor activity. See recess schedule located in the front office.
PONY EXPRESS
Messages and small materials are moved between schools and district offices by means of a truck delivery route called "The Pony." Special brown envelopes are available for this in the office. Use blue or black ink in addressing the envelope to send something to another school or department.
PRINCIPLES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT (CODE OF ETHICS)
Every teacher has received and should read and comply with "The Code of Ethics and Principles of Professional Conduct."
REPORT CARDS
Proper procedures for keeping parents informed of pupil progress involve:
1. parent/teacher conferences
2. written messages on County-approved stationery
3. documented telephone calls
4. report cards
5. interim reports
Report cards are sent home each nine weeks. The calendar shows the date on which the reporting period closes and the date on which report cards are to be issued. As soon as possible after the close of the grading period, report cards should be turned in to the assistant principal to be checked before going home. Report cards are now created in Pinnacle and sent to the Canon copier for printing.
When report card envelopes are returned, be certain to check for parent's request for conferences and/or comments.
SPECIAL NOTE: School Board Policy stipulates that a student must be in attendance twenty-five (25) days in a Broward County School during a quarter in order to receive grades for that period. If a student transfers from Broward County School "x" and had been there 13 school days and at Pasadena Lakes 12 days, we are required to give the student a report card.
RESPONSE to INTERVENTION
Response to Intervention should be used after analyzing student data. If the staff member notes that a student is not progressing as the majority of other students, they should log into BASIS 3.0 and create and RtI referral. The referral should also include supported information such as data and graphs needed to process the referral. See also Child Study Team.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PRINCIPAL
By law, the principal is charged with overall responsibility for the total school operation, evaluation of the employees, and for the quality of the instructional program.
In carrying out these responsibilities, it is necessary that the principal maintain continuing and up-to-date knowledge of the procedures for instruction and general on-going programs within the school. This knowledge is usually maintained by certain basic procedures, such as:
1. Visitation and observation of classroom activities
2. Review of plan books and schedules
3. Discussions with individual teachers and groups
4. Conferences with personnel
The principal is the person who is accountable for the school budget.
All questions concerning the budget should be directed to the principal.
All grade placements, classroom assignments, teaching assignments, and final decisions of promotion/retention are also duties of the building administrator.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TEACHER
• Each teacher is expected to provide a classroom situation that will promote maximum progress and growth of individual students. Teachers are expected to utilize effective and desirable instructional procedures in reaching that goal.
• Instructional personnel are responsible for the general well being of students entrusted to them. Students are to be supervised at all times in the instructional areas, as well as on the playground or cafeteria. If it becomes necessary for you to leave your students, another instructional employee should be left in charge or you should notify the office so that someone can monitor your class. There should never be a time when students are without proper monitoring.
• PRE-SCHOOL DUTY - 8:05 A.M.
• Pre and/or post school duty will be shared on an equal basis as part of the operation of the school.
• Each class will be given a designated area to line up. During pre-planning days, teachers will be instructed on specific pick-up and dismissal procedures. Children are not allowed to wander through the halls. Students should enter their rooms in a quiet and orderly manner. Teachers should have their classroom doors open by 8:05 a.m., greet each student and monitor their classroom and the hallway from their doors until 8:10 a.m.
• POST-SCHOOL DUTY 2:10 P.M.- 2:20 P.M.
Post-school duty assignments include the following: buses, bike racks, parking lots, and the hall area. Please adhere to any post-school duty coverage that is assigned to you by the principal or assistant principal.
• WORK SCHEDULE
• Instructional personnel are required by law to work 196 days, 180 of which must be devoted to full-time instruction (300 minutes a day).
• Instructional personnel must be on duty a minimum of seven and one-half hours daily.
• All instructional and non-instructional personnel are to sign a check-in sheet located in the copy room by 7:40 a.m.
• All instructional personnel will work 7:40 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.
• Every teacher is to be in his/her classroom at 8:05 a.m. The school hours for students are 8:10 a.m. to 2:10 p.m.
• Any faculty or staff member who needs to leave early for any reason must notify and receive approval from the principal, assistant principal, or the principal's designee if he/she is not available. A sign-out sheet must be completed. This is for your protection in case of accident.
• WORK STANDARDS
• For teachers working a full day the work schedules must include a duty-free lunch period of not less than thirty (30) minutes. During this period a teacher should not leave the school grounds without the permission of the principal.
• All members of the instructional staff shall be expected to teach a full schedule of classes, unless prior approval from the Director or Superintendent of Schools has been obtained.
• It shall be the principal's responsibility to see that each member of the instructional and non-instructional staff of the school carries his/her fair share of the total professional program of the school.
• Each teacher shall be required to keep his/her lesson plans and grade book up-to-date, complete, and available.
• Each teacher is expected to comply with School Board Policies in addition to the rules designed for our school. School Board policies and directives are located on the intranet (). Please take time to become acquainted with School Board policies that pertain to you.
• Negligence on the job includes a long absence from the classroom, not notifying office or next-door teacher of short absence, conducting personal work rather than school business, or other non-professional activities.
DUTIES OF INSTRUCTIONAL PERSONNEL
The members of instructional personnel shall perform the following functions:
1. Comply with the Code of Ethics and the principles of professional Conduct of the Education Profession in Florida.
2. Teach efficiently and effectively using the books and materials required, by the District or the State following the prescribed courses of study and employ sound teaching practices and methods.
3. Infuse in the classroom, the District’s adopted Character Education Traits of Respect, Honesty, Kindness, Self-Control, Tolerance, Cooperation, Responsibility and Citizenship.
4. Treat all students with kindness, consideration, and humanity, administering discipline in accordance with regulations of the State Board and the School Board; provided, that in no case shall cruel or inhuman punishment be administered to any child attending the public schools.
5. Enforce the Broward County Schools Code of Student Conduct.
6. Attend conferences such as ESE staffing and parent conferences related to education of students.
7. Accurately maintain appropriate student records and documentation and prepare and submit such reports as may be required by regulations of the state board of Education and the District. No teacher shall be entitled to receive any salary unless all such records and reports have been properly maintained and submitted according to requests.
8. Conform to all rules and regulations that may be prescribed by the State Board and by the School Board.
9. Work to ensure that the school building and property are not defaced, damaged or destroyed.
10. Under the direction of the school principal, give instructions in and hold such fire and emergency drills as may be prescribed by law, by regulations of the State Board and of the School Board, and as otherwise may be deemed necessary.
11. Deliver, on closing or suspending school, all keys, records and reports, and account for all other school property to the principal of the school or to the Superintendent as may be prescribed by the regulations of the State Board and of the School Board.
12. Fulfill the terms of any written contract, unless released from the contract by the School Board.
13. Participate in related staff development opportunities.
14. Serve on committees and other work related groups reflecting the educational purposes and needs of the school.
RETENTION
Teachers should become familiar with the District Promotion Criteria Matrix for Reading and Math including Progress Monitoring.
RETENTION PROCEDURES - (School Board Policy 6000.1)
Retention is a serious step, one that will affect a child's future. Therefore, ample time must be given to alert parents of the possibility of retention.
The following time line will be established.
A. Third Quarter Interim Report:
Notify parents on interim report form of possibility of retention. Submit to office names of all possible retentions.
B. End of Third Quarter - conferences due in office documenting recommendation for retention.
C. Fourth Quarter Interim Report - official list of retainees due in office
A parent conference must be requested by the classroom teacher on or before May 1 for each student being considered for retention. The purpose of this conference will be to discuss the areas in which the student is deficient and to review the educational prescription for remediating skills. This prescription shall include a recommendation for promotion or retention based upon all available data.
For each student being considered for retention, written notification should be provided to the parent within one week of receiving test results.
Grade placement of students will be made in accordance with School Board policy 6000.1 and Florida Statutes.
SCHOOL BOARD POLICIES
All staff members should be aware of School Board policies that affect their job. These can be found on the intranet under
Any questions about School Board policies may be directed to the principal or assistant principal.
Some of the policies every teacher should be aware of are:
POLICY #6000.1 Report Cards, Grades, and Promotion/Retention
POLICY #6000.1 Elementary and ESE Curriculum
POLICY #5301 Behavior Management of Students
POLICY #5006 Suspension and Expulsion
POLICY #5100 School Education Records
POLICY #2304.1 Weapons
POLICY #4008 Responsibilities and Duties
POLICY #6303 Field Trips
POLICY #6306 Homework
POLICY #6318 Copyrighted Materials - Reproduction and Usage
SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL
A School Advisory Council is in place at Pasadena Lakes Elementary School. The team consists of elected parents, teachers, a non-instructional representative, community/business representatives, and the administration. The School Advisory Council meets monthly during the school year to discuss the school's programs, achievements, and goals.
For more information/suggestions, please see the principal or a member of the School Advisory Council.
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
To access Pasadena Lakes School Improvement Plan – go to the school’s website.
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER
Our school is served by a school social worker. The social worker is employed by the School Board. The school social worker will make home visits to discuss school concerns such as attendance, lack of student welfare or neglect, obtaining parent signatures, and other school/student related items.
The school social worker reports to the school on a weekly basis. To receive the services of the school social worker, appropriate referral forms should be completed and turned in to the principal/assistant principal. (See Appendix #36).
The referral forms must be signed by the principal or designee.
SECURITY
The following security measures are to be taken for the facilities during the school day:
• Bicycle racks are to be locked at 8:10 a.m. and opened at 2:05 p.m. daily.
• Portable and classroom doors are to remain locked.
• Common restrooms are locked before and after school. Students are not allowed to enter the facility before 7:40 a.m. unless enrolled in the Before School Child Care Program. Students must exit the facility at 2:10 p.m. unless supervised by an adult or in the After School Child Care Program.
• Windows and doors must be locked after classes are dismissed.
• Perimeter gates will be secured and locked during school and at the close of all activities, e.g., after school.
SECURITY PROBLEM
If an announcement is made over the intercom for "Code Red" get your students into your classroom and lock all doors to your room. This announcement will be utilized if there is a security problem in the school. The principal will notify you when the problem is resolved by announcing an "All Clear."
SELF-REPORTING
You have 48 hours to complete the Self-Reporting form and return it to the Office of Professional Standards and SIU, if you are arrested for child abuse, drug abuse or sexual misconduct (See Appendix 4 and School Board Policy 2405).
SMOKING
Our school has been designated a non-smoking facility. Smoking may not take place within 100 feet of the campus.
STUDENT PROGRESSION PLAN
The Educational Accountability Act of 1976 required each district in the State of Florida to develop a Pupil Progression Plan (Statue 232.245).
Student Progression Plan is the Broward County official uniform plan of instruction and assessment for students as they progress from one level of the curriculum to the next. See School Board Policy 6000.1.
This policy provides guidelines for school administration and the implementation of curriculum for all students. Areas such as promotion/retention, report cards, attendance, textbooks and summer school are addressed.
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS/SUB FINDER
We utilize "Substitute Finder System," an automated means of requesting a substitute teacher. You, as the teacher, are responsible for phoning in your request for a substitute.
There is a priority list of substitutes available. You can request a specific substitute only if you call at least 24 hours in advance of your absence.
Call 754-321-0050 by 6:30 a.m. on the day of your absence. In order to fill your absence, using a touch tone telephone call the given number (754-321-0050) and code in your need according to the specific directions. See Sub Finder handouts for additional information for securing a substitute teacher. When calling, please state the reason for your absence (TDA, Sick, Sick Leave Other).
On those occasions when you are unable to reach Substitute Finder, the substitute contact person must be notified as far in advance as possible, but no later than 7:00 a.m.
On each day of your absence, please try to call the school before 1:30 p.m. to let us know if you will be returning to work on the next day so that we may re-employ the same substitute, if needed.
Support personnel and paraprofessionals expecting to be absent should notify the office between 7:10 a.m. and 7:40 a.m. Paras in the ASD cluster should also text the Autism Coach if they are going to be absent.
TELEPHONE CALLS
Personal telephone calls may be made from the telephone in the teachers' lounge, cum room, or classrooms. Do not use the phones in the front office. Local calls, either business or personal, should be made at a time when the teacher does not have class responsibilities. The phone lines are restricted and you will be unable to make long distance calls or directory assistance calls from school phones. However, you may place long distance calls for school business with appropriate documentation from designated phones. Please see the bookkeeper or office manager for details and proper forms.
Many teachers have phones in their classrooms. Be cautious of the statements you make to a child’s parent in the presence of other students. It is a good idea to wait until students are not in the classroom to make calls regarding students.
TEMPORARY DUTY AUTHORIZATION (TDA)
Temporary duty shall be defined as the employee performing his/her duties in a different location than the regular assignment. Temporary Duty Authorization forms are available from the bookkeeper. TDA's are required for all workshops, inservice meetings, conferences, and conventions or any activity that requires a substitute and/or takes you off campus. A TDA is also required when funds are being requested from our school's budget. Staff members going on a field trip need to complete at TDA.
Completed Temporary Duty request forms must be given to the principal for approval ten (10) working days prior to the workshop/event.
TESTING
The Broward County Student Assessment Office coordinates a series of standardized tests to be administered at specific dates for purposes of diagnostic and prescriptive evaluation. Instructional personnel will be asked to cooperate with prescribed procedures.
It is the principal's and teacher’s responsibility to evaluate test results and alter curriculum so that the deficiencies are eliminated the following year.
TEXTBOOKS
Each school receives textbooks books based upon enrollment. A small amount of money may be allotted to schools to be used for supplemental materials.
Every child should have a textbook or digital device to access the textbook! If you do not have enough textbooks, please notify the team leader immediately so that textbooks can be ordered. Please note that issued textbooks are resources and are not necessarily correlated to the curriculum, which is the Florida State Standards.
Numbered series of textbooks have been issued to each teacher for use by the students. In turn, teachers will check textbooks out to students, using provided checklists and/or a list in your record book. Teachers are responsible for keeping accurate records and counts in their classroom.
It is the student's responsibility to keep the books in good condition. Assessment for lost or damaged textbooks should be charged when there is evidence of abnormal wear and/or unnecessary damage.
Teachers are asked to assess each book's condition when it is being issued. The following is listed in School Board Policy:
A = Excellent or New
B = Good
C = Fair
D = Poor
F = Unsalvageable
TOBACCO FREE ENVIRONMENT
Effective July 1, 2014, The School Board of Broward County, Florida, approved Policy 2401: Tobacco-Free Environment. This Policy prohibits all tobacco use anytime, anywhere, by anyone on any District-owned property or within 100 feet of any District-owned property. This includes all school-sponsored events after regular school hours.
Employees: Consequences for employees who violate the tobacco use policy will be in accordance with personnel policies or any relevant collective bargaining agreement.
TORNADO PRECAUTIONS
1. All personnel on the school premises should be assembled at the far side of the classroom, away from the large windows.
2. All personnel in portables, or on the playground at the time of a tornado alert, should proceed immediately to the nearest building of permanent type construction.
3. Students and staff will get down under their desks on their knees with their hands over their heads (duck and cover) and wait for an all-clear signal. Students and staff should stay away from windows.
4. The public address system or sound horn (three short bells and repeat) will be used for this drill. The following announcement will be made: "This is a tornado drill. All students and staff report to your assigned tornado drill areas. Duck and Cover."
TORNADO DRILL PROCEDURES
TORNADO WATCH: There is a chance of dangerous weather with damaging winds.
TORNADO WATCH SIGNAL: Message over the intercom and three short bells repeated.
WHAT TO DO: Be on the lookout for: thunderstorms, heavy rains, strong winds, hail, roaring noise, and/or dark funnel cloud. Be ready to move quickly to safety. Make sure that all of your students are with you.
The assistant principal, office manager, and head facilities serviceperson will monitor weather radio, TV, and weather conditions.
TORNADO WARNING: A tornado has been sighted. Go at once to the designated area.
TORNADO WARNING SIGNAL: Message over the intercom and 3 short bells
WHAT TO DO: Go at once to the designated area. If you see or hear the tornado coming, do not wait for the warning signal - go to the shelter area if there is time, if not, curl up on the floor and protect yourself. (Lie face down, draw your knees up under you, cover the back of your head with your hands.)
Stay away from windows.
Classes in portables and students in PE are to go to their designated areas.
Custodial staff should move into a building.
Cafeteria staff should move into the cafeteria manager's office.
TUTORING
School Board Policy #4202 prohibits a teacher from receiving reimbursement for tutoring a student in any of his/her classes. A teacher who is tutoring a child may not use school facilities at any time of the day. Some exceptions apply for music.
UNSAFE CONDITIONS
Parents and staff are directed to report unsafe conditions to the office immediately. The head facilities serviceperson will evaluate the condition and make the necessary recommendations.
VALUABLES
Valuable items should not be brought to school by faculty, staff or students. Personal belongings, such as purses, should be kept under lock and key. Bicycles are locked by students with chains and locks. In the event of a lost or stolen article, the office is to be notified.
VANDALISM OR PROPERTY DAMAGE
Each member of the instructional staff should consider that it is his/her responsibility to report any incidents of property damage by students or others so that restitution may be gained and repairs made. This pertains to the damage of equipment, materials, and furniture, or to the building property.
To help limit vandalism, here are some helpful hints:
1. Keep classroom doors locked.
2. Keep classroom keys away from students.
3. Give money to the bookkeeper by 10:00 a.m. No money should be kept in the classroom.
4. Keep purses/wallets out of sight, in a locked desk, drawer or file cabinet.
5. Notify the main office whenever you see a stranger or older student on school grounds.
VISITORS
Adult visitors are always welcome but are requested to register with and be cleared through the front office. Please remember to always be friendly and polite to all parents and visitors. A friendly "Hello" or "Good Morning" helps build good community relations.
No teacher should admit an unknown person to the classroom without asking his/her identity.
As part of our responsibility to our students, all unknown or suspicious persons observed in the building or on the grounds should be investigated. Notify the principal's office immediately if you see a stranger or suspicious-looking person on campus.
Teachers should not allow visitors to use class time for discussion of individual problems except in a special circumstance.
VOLUNTEERS
Those teachers wishing the assistance of a volunteer should relay this desire to the volunteer coordinator.
All persons wishing to volunteer their time are to fill out a volunteer information form on-line at . After being assigned a teacher, a schedule suitable to both persons will be worked out. Work done by volunteers is to be coordinated by the classroom teacher. Volunteers are not to teach new concepts, but rather they are to reinforce what the teacher has already taught. Volunteers are never to be left alone to supervise classrooms.
All volunteers are to report to the office and sign in before going to the classrooms. They must also sign out before leaving campus.
Many benefits are derived from the work performed by volunteers. They should be treated with the utmost respect and made to feel appreciated.
WEAPONS
All incidents of weapons or objects used in a threatening manner must be immediately reported to the office. The situation will be assessed and the weapon confiscated prudently.
WITHDRAWALS
When learning of a pupil's plan to withdraw from school, the classroom teacher should:
1. Notify the office so that transfer papers can be prepared.
2. Collect all books and school property in the student's possession.
3. Investigate library or cafeteria charges.
4. If at least 25 days have passed in a marking period, fill in a report card. (Use ink if leaving the county; use pencil if going to another school in the county).
5. Pencil in all available data on the cum folder.
6. Send completed cum folder and report card to office within two (2) days of a student's withdrawal.
WORKER'S COMPENSATION
Any work related accident that will require medical attention must be reported to the office on the day of the accident. Specific instructions must be followed in filing any claim and only doctors approved by Worker's Compensation Insurance can be seen for treatment. Any delayed claim of more than twenty-four (24) hours will not be honored. Call 1-800-374-4811 for assistance
Revised 8/14/16
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