2003 - 2004 - PC\|MAC
West Bainbridge Elementary School
2013– 2014
Faculty / Staff Handbook
[pic]
Allyson G. Matthews, Principal
Deborah H. Brown, Assistant Principal / Parental Involvement Contact
Ortega Ross, Lead Teacher/21st CCLC Site Coordinator
Belinda Ingram, Counselor
Board of Education
School Calendar 2013--2014
|Pre-Planning |Monday – Thursday |July 29 – August 1, 2013 |
|First Day for Students |Friday |August 2, 2013 |
|Labor Day Holiday |Monday |September 2, 2013 |
|4 ½ Week Progress Report |Wednesday |September 4, 2013 |
|(Middle & High Schools) |
|Early Release Day |Friday |September 6, 2013 |
|End of 1st 9 Weeks |Friday |October 4, 2013 |
|Fall Break |Monday – Tuesday |October 7 - 8, 2013 |
|Professional Development Day |Wednesday |October 9, 2013 |
|Report Cards |Tuesday |October 15, 2013 |
|4 ½ Week Progress Report |Thursday |November 7, 2013 |
|(Middle & High Schools) |
|Early Release Day |Friday |November 22, 2013 |
|Furlough |Monday - Tuesday |November 25 - 26, 2013 |
|Thanksgiving Holidays |Wednesday – Friday |November 27 – 29, 2013 |
|End of 2nd 9 Weeks |Wednesday |December 18, 2013 |
|Winter Break |Thursday – Friday |December 19 – January 3, 2014 |
|Furlough |Monday |January 6, 2014 |
|Professional Development Day |Tuesday |January 7, 2014 |
|Report Cards |Monday |January 13, 2014 |
|Martin Luther King Holiday |Monday |January 20, 2014 |
|4 ½ Week Progress Report |Wednesday |February 5, 2014 |
|(Middle & High Schools) |
|President’s Day Holiday |Monday |February 17, 2014 |
|End of 3rd 9 Weeks/Early Release |Thursday |March 13, 2014 |
|Furlough Day |Friday |March 14, 2014 |
|Report Cards |Thursday |March 20, 2014 |
|Spring Break |Monday – Friday |March 31 – April 4, 2014 |
|4 ½ Week Progress Report |Tuesday |April 22, 2014 |
|(Middle & High Schools) |
|Early Release Day |Friday |April 25, 2014 |
|Choice Week |Monday – Friday |April 28 – May 2, 2014 |
|Last Day for Students |Tuesday |May 20, 2014 |
|Post Planning |Wednesday |May 21, 2014 |
|Post Planning/Report Cards |Thursday |May 22, 2014 |
|Furlough |Friday |May 23, 2014 |
|Memorial Day Holiday |Monday |May 26, 2014 |
| |
DECATUR COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Fred Rayfield
Kelvin Bouie District 1
663 E. Griffin Avenue
Attapulgus, GA 39815
Randall Jones District 2
544 Bert Phillips Road
Climax, GA 39834
Winston Rollins District 3
1307 Carter Street
Bainbridge, GA 39817
Dr. Sydney Cochran, Chairman District 4
P. O. Box 97
Bainbridge, GA 39818
Bobby Barber, Jr. District 5
224 Bubber Road
Bainbridge, GA 39817
Jacky Grubbs District 6
2415 Colquitt Highway
Colquitt, GA 39837
2013-2014 West Bainbridge Elementary Faculty/Staff
[pic]
Administrative Staff Title Room #
Allyson G. Matthews Principal 104E
Deborah H. Brown Assistant Principal/Parental Involvement 104D
Ortega Ross Lead Teacher/21st CCLC Site Coordinator 103
Belinda Ingram Counselor 603/Media Center
Grade/ # Sections Teacher Paraprofessional Assignment Room #
Pre-K (3) Prissy Butler Daytril Jones 313 Letiana Miller Shanterica McBride 312 Jan Payne Dianne Johnson 311
K (5) Jan Culverson Brandy Brock 306
Tiffany Hall Cathy McDonald 303
Tammy Lyle Kim Chandler 307
Crystal Smith Amy Barber 308
Ashley Strickland Renee Hand 305
1st (5) Mearlene Duncan Terri Anvar 202
Ami Godby Ashley Powell 205
Nan Jordan Annie Simmons 204
Tiffany Maxwell Peyton Jordan 206
Kathy Smith Rhonda Gibson 203
2nd (4) Hildy Conder 210
Belinda Haywood 211
Marsha Middleton 209
Karri Parramore 207
3rd (4) Kerri Gardner 505
Stephanie Landeen 504 Angela Leon 507
Vera Mathews 503
4th (4) Kay Black 507
Dana Martin 508
Christy Ward 510 Lynn Watts 509
EIP / 21st CCLC Site Coordinator Natalie Howard 512 ESOL Troy Thomas 403
Special Education Jamie Chapman Darlene Melton 401
Special Education Maria Clark Maxine Rogers and Georgia Wilson 400
Speech Tanya Clark 201
Enrichment
Computer Lab #1 Bernice Jackson 500
Media Specialist Nikki Martin Ruby Burke Media Center
Music Bill Dixon 301
P.E. Blake Cecil Kim Barthel 508/Gym
Support Carol Inlow 300
Migrant Liaison Maria Granados (EKE) 310
Reading Coach Deidre Daughtry 300
Science Coach Donna McGlincy 300
Social Worker/Pre-K Coordinator Debra Freeman 300
Technology Steve Dunn &Tech Staff
Office Staff/ 099 Custodial Lunchroom Staff 800
Susan Lynn, Bookkeeper Jerry Footman Grace Ezell, Mgr
Carla Parrish, Nurse – Rm#100 Vivian Gordon Peggy Davis, Asst. Mgr.
Lisa Peacock, Secretary/Data Clerk Otha Hunter Julie Earp Willie Martin Ann Harris Myra Roberts Peggy Sapp Linda Thomas Pearlia Stubbs
Shirley Tatum
West Bainbridge Elementary
2013– 2014
Certified Mentor Program
|New to Grade / School |Grade Level |Mentor |
| | | |
|Cecil Blake |Physical Education |Bill Dixon and Troy Thomas |
| | | |
|Deborah H. Brown |Assistant Principal |Allyson G. Matthews |
| | | |
|Natalie Howard |EIP |Ortega Ross |
| | | |
|Tiffany Maxwell |1st Grade |Nan Jordan |
| |Lead Teacher |Allyson G. Matthews |
|Ortega Ross |21st CCLC Site Coordinator |Deborah H. Brown |
| | | |
Non-Certified Mentor Program
|New to Grade / School |Grade Level |Mentor |
| | | |
|Amy Barber |Kindergarten |Crystal Smith |
| | | |
|Renee Hand |Kindergarten |Ashley Strickland |
| | | |
|Dianne Johnson |Pre-K |Jan Payne |
| | | |
|Shanterica McBride |Pre-K |Letiana Miller |
| | | |
|Ashley Powell |1st Grade |Ami Godby |
| |
SCHEDULED DATES FOR COACHING/MENTORING SESSIONS
SCHOOL YEAR 2013-2014
| | | | |
|DAYS |DATES |COMMENTS |SUGGESTED MONTHLY ACTIVITIES |
| | | |FACILITY TOUR, PROCEDURES, PROTOCOLS FOR BEGINNING OF |
|PRE-PLANNING |JULY 29 – AUGUST 1, 2013 |PLEASE ARRANGE BEST TIME TO MEET WITH MENTEE |THE YEAR |
| | | | |
|FRIDAY |SEPTEMBER 6, 2013 |EARLY DISMISSAL DAY |TIME MANAGEMENT, EVALUATION INSTRUMENT |
| | | |MONTHLY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES |
|WEDNESDAY |OCTOBER 9, 2013 |PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAY | |
| | | | |
|FRIDAY |NOVEMBER 22, 2013 |EARLY DISMISSAL DAY |PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES |
| | | |REVIEW 1ST SEMESTER EXPERIENCES |
| | |PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAY |NEW EMPLOYEE CONCERNS & NEEDS |
|TUESDAY |JANUARY 7, 2014 | | |
| | | |REVIEW OF PERSONAL/PROFESSIONAL PROGRESS OF DUTIES & |
| | |PLEASE ARRANGE BEST TIME TO MEET WITH MENTEE DURING|RESPONSIBILITIES |
| |FEBRUARY, 2014 |THE MONTH | |
| | | |CONTINUE REVIEW OF PERSONAL/PROFESSIONAL PROGRESS |
| | | |OF DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES |
|THURSDAY |MARCH 13, 2014 |EARLY DISMISSAL DAY | |
| | | |DISCUSS END OF THE YEAR PROCEDURES |
|FRIDAY |APRIL 25, 2014 |EARLY DISMISSAL DAY | |
|POST-PLANNING | | | |
|WEDNESDAY |MAY 21, 2014 |PLEASE ARRANGE BEST TIME TO MEET WITH MENTEE |REVIEW OF THE YEAR |
| | | |IDENTIFY GOALS FOR NEXT YEAR |
| |
West Bainbridge Elementary
2013 - 2014
SCHOOL COUNCIL MEMBERS
Principal Allyson G. Matthews
Business (Council Selected) Turner Lynn
Business (BOE selected) Amanda Inlow
Parent Gabriella Velasquez
Parent Vacant
Teacher Vacant
Teacher Vacant
➢ We need to vote on two School Representatives.
[pic]
[pic]
August 2, 2013
Dear Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s):
The Georgia Department of Education submitted to the U.S. Department of Education an application requesting flexibility through waivers of ten Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965 (ESEA) requirements and their associated, regulatory, administrative and reporting requirements. On February 9, 2012, Georgia’s ESEA Flexibility waiver was approved by the US ED. Two of the ten waivers directly affected supplemental educational services and public school choice. The waiver allows local educational agencies (LEAs) greater flexibility in designing a flexible learning program tailored to the needs of their school and will have the capacity to serve more students in need for additional academic support.
Beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, the GaDOE transitioned from needs improvement (NI) distinctions based on adequate yearly progress (AYP) reports to Reward, Priority, Focus and Alert School status. In addition, the GaDOE ESEA flexibility waiver outlines Georgia’s new Single Statewide Accountability System, the College and Career Readiness Performance Index (CCRPI). The CCRPI will serve as a comprehensive report card for all schools in Georgia. The state systems will give parents, students, teachers and families a more complete and comprehensive picture of where a school or district is meeting performance expectations or where it is not. 2012 and future CCRPI reports can be found by accessing the Georgia Department of Education website at or by accessing West Bainbridge Elementary School’s website at for school designation information.
Your child attends West Bainbridge Elementary School which receives Federal Title I funds to assist students in meeting state achievement standards. We are proud to say that your child / children have not been given a designation which means we are continuing to provide a quality education for students. If at any time you wish to receive additional information regarding your child’s performance on state assessments beyond that which is provided immediately following the assessment, please contact Mrs. Allyson G. Matthews, Principal at (229) 248-2821.
West Bainbridge Elementary School continues to make progress in a number of areas due to the hard work of our teachers. The instructional staff is ready for the coming school year and is prepared to give your child a high-quality education. As a Title I school, we must meet federal regulations related to teacher qualifications as defined in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The regulations allow you to learn more about your child’s teachers’ training and qualifications.
We are happy to provide this information to you and at any time you may ask:
• Whether the teacher met state qualifications and certification requirements for the subject he/she is teaching,
• Whether the teacher received an emergency or conditional certificate through which state qualifications were waived, and
• What undergraduate or graduate degrees the teacher holds, including graduate certificates and additional degrees, and major(s) or area(s) of concentration.
You may also ask whether your child receives help from a paraprofessional. If your child receives this assistance, we can provide you with information about the paraprofessional’s qualifications. If you have any questions about your child’s assignment to a teacher or paraprofessional, please contact Mrs. Allyson G. Matthews, Principal at (229) 248-2821 or Dr. Linda Lumpkin, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources at (229) 248-2806.
West Bainbridge Elementary School’s Staff is committed to helping your child develop the academic knowledge and critical thinking he/she needs to become college and work ready. That commitment includes making sure that all of our teachers and paraprofessionals are highly skilled and we are proud to report that 100% of our staff is highly qualified.
In July 2012, Senate Bill 289 and Houses Bill 175 passed allowing students opportunities to take online courses. This legislation does not require an online course to graduate, but provides an online learning option should your student or you choose this option. Decatur County School System will provide online learning opportunities through Georgia Virtual School beginning the 2013-2014 school year by allowing students to take a course or courses as part of their assigned required courses. Students who wish to pursue online course enrollment should read information provided on the Georgia Virtual website, . Pay close attention to deadlines in the Georgia Virtual process as well as the list of courses offered. For more information about the opportunity for your student to
participate in online courses, please contact Mrs. Deborah H. Brown, Assistant Principal at (229) 248-2821.
West Bainbridge Elementary School is committed to ensuring that your student is provided a quality education through the ongoing implementation of the Common Core Georgia Performance Standards. Excellence, Engagement, and Accountability for all is being achieved by the educational team at this school and throughout the district. Achievement of District SACS Accreditation supports our vision for continuous school improvement.
Please feel free to contact Mrs. Allyson G. Matthews, Principal at (229) 248-2821 should you have additional questions about your child’s school or academic progress. Additional information can also be viewed on the district’s website, , by clicking the Federal Programs link. We look forward to a successful 2013-2014 school year.
Sincerely,
[pic] Allyson G. Matthews
Dr. Fred Rayfield, Superintendent Allyson G. Matthews, Principal
[pic]
Decatur County Schools
100 West Street
Bainbridge, Georgia 39817
(229) 248-2200 • Fax (229) 248-2252
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION
It is a policy of the Decatur County Board of Education not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, or handicapping condition in its educational programs, activities, and employment practices.
The Board shall comply with all aspects of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (amended, 1973), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (amended, 1974), Title XXIX of the Age Discrimination Act of 1967, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title II of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act of 1984.
For compliance information contact the Coordinator for Title VI, Title IX and section 504,
April Aldridge
Decatur County School Support Center
507 Martin Street,
Bainbridge, Georgia 39817
229/248-2836
NOTA DE NO DISCRIMINACION
Es la política de la Junta Educacional del Condado de Decatur de no discriminar en función a raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, edad, estatus de veterano, o condición de discapacidad en sus programas educacionales, actividades, y prácticas de empleo.
La Junta cumplirá con todos los aspectos del Título IX de las Enmiendas de Educación de 1972, Título VI de la Ley de los Derechos Civiles de 1964 (modificado, 1973), Título VII de la Ley de los Derechos Civiles de 1964, (modificado, 1974), Título XXIX del la Ley de Discriminación por Edad de 1967, y sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, y Título II de la Ley de Educación Profesional Carl D. Perkins de 1984.
Para información de conformidad contactar al/la coordinador/a del Título VI, Título IX y sección 504.
April Aldridge
Centro de Soporte de Las Escuelas del Condado Decatur
507 Martin Street,
Bainbridge, Georgia 39817
(229) 248-2836
West Bainbridge Elementary School
2013-2014
Title 1 School Wide Plan / 45-60 Day Action Plan
|West Bainbridge Elementary School / 45-60 day Action Plan |
| |Actions, Strategies, Interventions | |Person(s) Responsible | | | |
|Non-Negotiable Goals | |Timeline | |Artifacts |Evidences |Progress |
| |Preparation time, co-teach as | | | | | |
| |appropriate, specialist will co-teach | | |Professional development; | | |
| |with a regular education teacher, | |Grades K – 4 |Co-teacher and regular education |Teacher Walk-throughs, Teacher | |
|Improving Co-Teaching |professional development, monitoring by|45 – 60 days |Pre-identified Teachers |teacher’s schedules, common |evaluations, student performance, | |
| |leaders, special education resources, | |Administrators |planning and consistent |student performance in the specific |On going |
| |ESOL Teacher Support | | |collaboration |content area, TKES | |
| |ABE implementation, parent involvement | | | | | |
| |(possible mentor program), establish | |Grades Pre-K – 4 | |Classroom observations, fewer | |
|Improving Student Behavior |effective classroom management rules |45 – 60 days |Teachers |School-Wide Positive Behavior Plan|discipline referrals, monitoring, |On going |
| | | |Administrators | |TKES | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| |Teachers will stand at their doors | | | | | |
| |before school to greet students each | |Pre-K through 4th Grade |Positive attitudes from all staff;|Student performance, school surveys, | |
| |morning and during rotation of classes.| |Teachers, Custodial |positive and effective |County Office/Curriculum | |
|Improving School Morale |All staff will say something positive |45 – 60 days |Staff, Nutritional Staff|teacher/administrators |Observations, visibility within the |On going |
| |to someone first thing in the morning, | |Administrators |communication |school | |
| |by doing an all call, so that everyone | | | | | |
| |present can hear it | | | | | |
|West Bainbridge Elementary School / 45-60 day Action Plan |
| |Actions, Strategies, Interventions | |Person(s) Responsible | | | |
|Non-Negotiable Goals | |Timeline | |Artifacts |Evidences |Progress |
| |Interventions that improve | | | | | |
| |student’s written constructive | | | |Student writing samples, 3rd | |
| |responses to various writing | | | |grade State writing scores, | |
| |prompts; | |Reading Coaches, |Student Writing Samples, 3rd |K-2 writing performance when | |
|Improving Student’s K – 4th Writing |Professional Development, posting |45 – 60 Days |teachers, administrators,|grade student’s State Writing |entering 3rd grade, examining |On going |
|Skills |exemplar papers, writing across the| |RESA Personnel |Test, Exemplar papers |student work, student’s | |
| |curriculum, use of technology | | | |motivation about writing | |
Kelly Henson, Executive Gary Walker, Director
Georgia Professional Standards Commission Educator Ethics Division
Two Peachtree Street, Suite 6000 404-232-2700
Atlanta, GA 30303-3141 Fax: 404-232-2720
ethics@
THE CODE OF ETHICS FOR EDUCATORS
Effective October 15, 2009
505-6-.01 THE CODE OF ETHICS FOR EDUCATORS
(1) Introduction. The Code of Ethics for Educators defines the professional behavior of educators in Georgia and serves as a guide to ethical conduct. The Professional Standards Commission has adopted standards that represent the conduct generally accepted by the education profession. The code defines unethical conduct justifying disciplinary sanction and provides guidance for protecting the health, safety and general welfare of students and educators, and assuring the citizens of Georgia a degree of accountability within the education profession.
(2) Definitions
(a) “Certificate” refers to any teaching, service, or leadership certificate, license, or permit issued by authority of the Professional Standards Commission.
(b) “Educator” is a teacher, school or school system administrator, or other education personnel who holds a certificate issued by the Professional Standards Commission and persons who have applied for but have not yet received a certificate. For the purposes of the Code of Ethics for Educators, “educator” also refers to paraprofessionals, aides, and substitute teachers.
(c) “Student” is any individual enrolled in the state’s public or private schools from preschool through grade 12 or any individual under the age of 18. For the purposes of the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct for Educators, the enrollment period for a graduating student ends on August 31 of the year of graduation.
(d) “Complaint” is any written and signed statement from a local board, the state board, or one or more individual residents of this state filed with the Professional Standards Commission alleging that an educator has breached one or more of the standards in the Code of Ethics for Educators. A “complaint” will be deemed a request to investigate.
(e) “Revocation” is the invalidation of any certificate held by the educator.
(f) “Denial” is the refusal to grant initial certification to an applicant for a certificate.
(g) “Suspension” is the temporary invalidation of any certificate for a period of time specified by the Professional Standards Commission.
(h) “Reprimand” admonishes the certificate holder for his or her conduct. The reprimand cautions that further unethical conduct will lead to a more severe action.
(i) “Warning” warns the certificate holder that his or her conduct is unethical. The warning cautions that further unethical conduct will lead to a more severe action.
(j) “Monitoring” is the quarterly appraisal of the educator’s conduct by the Professional Standards Commission through contact with the educator and his or her employer. As a condition of monitoring, an educator may be required to submit a criminal background check (GCIC). The Commission specifies the length of the monitoring period.
(k) “No Probable Cause” is a determination by the Professional Standards Commission that, after a preliminary investigation, either no further action need be taken or no cause exists to recommend disciplinary action. 505-6-.02
(3) Standards
(a) Standard 1: Legal Compliance - An educator shall abide by federal, state, and local laws and statutes. Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to the commission or conviction of a felony or of any crime involving moral turpitude; of any other criminal offense involving the manufacture, distribution, trafficking, sale, or possession of a controlled substance or marijuana as provided for in Chapter 13 of Title 16; or of any other sexual offense as provided for in Code Section 16-6-1 through 16-6-17, 16-6-20, 16-6-22.2, or 16-12-100; or any other laws applicable to the profession. As used herein, conviction includes a finding or verdict of guilty, or a plea of nolo contendere, regardless of whether an appeal of the conviction has been sought; a situation where first offender treatment without adjudication of guilt pursuant to the charge was granted; and a situation where an adjudication of guilt or sentence was otherwise withheld or not entered on the charge or the charge was otherwise disposed of in a similar manner in any jurisdiction.
(b) Standard 2: Conduct with Students - An educator shall always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both in and outside the classroom. Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to:
1. committing any act of child abuse, including physical and verbal abuse;
2. committing any act of cruelty to children or any act of child endangerment;
3. committing any sexual act with a student or soliciting such from a student;
4. engaging in or permitting harassment of or misconduct toward a student that would violate a state or federal law;
5. soliciting, encouraging, or consummating an inappropriate written, verbal, electronic, or physical relationship with a student;
6. furnishing tobacco, alcohol, or illegal/unauthorized drugs to any student; or
7. failing to prevent the use of alcohol or illegal or unauthorized drugs by students who are under the educator’s supervision (including but not limited to at
the educator’s residence or any other private setting).
(c) Standard 3: Alcohol or Drugs - An educator shall refrain from the use of alcohol or illegal or unauthorized drugs during the course of professional practice.
Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to:
1. being on school premises or at a school-related activity while under the influence of, possessing, using, or consuming illegal or unauthorized drugs; and
2. being on school premises or at a school-related activity involving students while under the influence of, possessing, or consuming alcohol. A school-
related activity includes, but is not limited to, any activity sponsored by the school or school system (booster clubs, parent-teacher organizations, or any
activity designed to enhance the school curriculum i.e. Foreign Language trips, etc).
(d) Standard 4: Honesty - An educator shall exemplify honesty and integrity in the course of professional practice. Unethical conduct includes but is not
limited to, falsifying, misrepresenting or omitting:
1. professional qualifications, criminal history, college or staff development credit and/or degrees, academic award, and employment history;
2. information submitted to federal, state, local school districts and other governmental agencies;
3. information regarding the evaluation of students and/or personnel;
4. reasons for absences or leaves;
5. information submitted in the course of an official inquiry/investigation; and
6. information submitted in the course of professional practice.
(e) Standard 5: Public Funds and Property - An educator entrusted with public funds and property shall honor that trust with a high level of honesty,
accuracy, and responsibility. Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to:
1. misusing public or school-related funds;
2. failing to account for funds collected from students or parents;
3. submitting fraudulent requests or documentation for reimbursement of expenses or for pay (including fraudulent or purchased degrees, documents, or
coursework);
4. co-mingling public or school-related funds with personal funds or checking accounts; and
5. using school property without the approval of the local board of education/governing board or authorized designee.
(f) Standard 6: Remunerative Conduct - An educator shall maintain integrity with students, colleagues, parents, patrons, or businesses when accepting
gifts, gratuities, favors, and additional compensation. Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to:
1. soliciting students or parents of students to purchase equipment, supplies, or services from the educator or to participate in activities that financially
benefit the educator unless approved by the local board of education/governing board or authorized designee;
2. accepting gifts from vendors or potential vendors for personal use or gain where there may be the appearance of a conflict of interest;
3. tutoring students assigned to the educator for remuneration unless approved by the local board of education/governing board or authorized designee;
and
4. coaching, instructing, promoting athletic camps, summer leagues, etc. that involves students in an educator’s school system and from whom the
educator receives remuneration unless approved by the local board of education/governing board or authorized designee. These types of activities
must be in compliance with all rules and regulations of the Georgia High School Association.
(g) Standard 7: Confidential Information - An educator shall comply with state and federal laws and state school board policies relating to the confidentiality of
student and personnel records, standardized test material and other information. Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to:
1. sharing of confidential information concerning student academic and disciplinary records, health and medical information, family status and/or income, and assessment/testing results unless disclosure is required or permitted by law;
2. sharing of confidential information restricted by state or federal law;
3. violation of confidentiality agreements related to standardized testing including copying or teaching identified test items, publishing or distributing test items or answers, discussing test items, violating local school system or state directions for the use of tests or test items, etc.; and
4. violation of other confidentiality agreements required by state or local policy.
(h) Standard 8: Abandonment of Contract - An educator shall fulfill all of the terms and obligations detailed in the contract with the local board of education or
education agency for the duration of the contract. Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to:
1. abandoning the contract for professional services without prior release from the contract by the employer, and
2. willfully refusing to perform the services required by a contract.
(i) Standard 9: Required Reports - An educator shall file reports of a breach of one or more of the standards in the Code of Ethics for Educators, child abuse (O.C.G.A. §19-7-5), or any other required report. Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to:
1. failure to report all requested information on documents required by the Commission when applying for or renewing any certificate with the
Commission;
2. failure to make a required report of a violation of one or more standards of the Code of Ethics for educators of which they have personal knowledge as soon as possible but no later than ninety (90) days from the date the educator became aware of an alleged breach unless the law or local procedures require reporting sooner; and
3. failure to make a required report of any violation of state or federal law soon as possible but no later than ninety (90) days from the date the
Educator became aware of an alleged breach unless the law or local procedures require reporting sooner. These reports include but are not limited
to: murder, voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, kidnapping, any sexual offense, any sexual exploitation of a minor, any
offense involving a controlled substance and any abuse of a child if an educator has reasonable cause to believe that a child has been abused.
(j) Standard 10: Professional Conduct - An educator shall demonstrate conduct that follows generally recognized professional standards and preserves the
dignity and integrity of the teaching profession. Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to any conduct that impairs and/or diminishes the certificate
holder’s ability to function professionally in his or her employment position, or behavior or conduct that is detrimental to the health, welfare, discipline, or
morals of students.
(k) Standard 11: Testing - An educator shall administer state-mandated assessments fairly and ethically. Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to:
1. committing any act that breaches Test Security; and
2. compromising the integrity of the assessment.
(4) Reporting
(a) Educators are required to report a breach of one or more of the Standards in the Code of Ethics for Educators as soon as possible but no later than ninety
(90) days from the date the educator became aware of an alleged breach unless the law or local procedures require reporting sooner. Educators should be
aware of legal requirements and local policies and procedures for reporting unethical conduct. Complaints filed with the Professional Standards
Commission must be in writing and must be signed by the complainant (parent, educator, personnel director, superintendent, etc.).
(b) The Commission notifies local and state officials of all disciplinary actions. In addition, suspensions and revocations are reported to national officials,
including the NASDTEC Clearinghouse.
(5) Disciplinary Action
(a) The Professional Standards Commission is authorized to suspend, revoke, or deny certificates, to issue a reprimand or warning, or to monitor the educator’s
conduct and performance after an investigation is held and notice and opportunity for a hearing are provided to the certificate holder. Any of the following
grounds shall be considered cause for disciplinary action against the holder of a certificate:
1. unethical conduct as outlined in The Code of Ethics for Educators, Standards 1-10 (PSC Rule 505-6-.01);
2. disciplinary action against a certificate in another state on grounds consistent with those specified in the Code of Ethics for Educators, Standards 1-10 (PSC
Rule 505-6-.01);
3. order from a court of competent jurisdiction or a request from the Department of Human Resources that the certificate should be suspended or the application
for certification should be denied for non-payment of child support (O.C.G.A. §19-6-28.1 and §19-11-9.3);
4. notification from the Georgia Higher Education Assistance Corporation that the educator is in default and not in satisfactory repayment status on a student
loan guaranteed by the Georgia Higher Education Assistance Corporation (O.C.G.A. §20-3-295);
5. suspension or revocation of any professional license or certificate;
6. violation of any other laws and rules applicable to the profession; and
7. any other good and sufficient cause that renders an educator unfit for employment as an educator.
(b) An individual whose certificate has been revoked, denied, or suspended may not serve as a volunteer or be employed as an educator, paraprofessional,
aide, substitute teacher or in any other position during the period of his or her revocation, suspension or denial for a violation of The Code of Ethics. The
superintendent and the superintendent’s designee for certification shall be 505-6-.02 responsible for assuring that an individual whose certificate has been
revoked, denied, or suspended is not employed or serving in any capacity in their district. Both the superintendent and the superintendent’s designee must
hold GaPSC certification.
Authority O.C.G.A. § 20-2-200; 20-2-981 through 20-2-984.5
DECATUR COUNTY SCHOOLS
CODE OF CONDUCT
All employees of Decatur County Schools are required to conduct themselves in a lawful, ethical and responsible manner. Actions which reflect negatively upon the school system or which are violations of school and/or system policy, city ordinances, state and/or federal law are grounds for punitive action and/or dismissal. Adherence to this code of conduct does not imply a contractual agreement between the employee and the Decatur County Board of Education.
In the context of their job duties and responsibilities all employees are required to:
1. Report to work on time and to remain on their job during the required hours, unless properly excused by their supervisor.
2. Dress in an appropriate uniform or outfit that is in keeping with their job duties and responsibilities.
3. Conduct their behavior, actions and language in a professional manner, so that there is no disparagement, cursing or other inappropriate language, fighting, threatening to fight, stealing or other actions that may be deemed as unprofessional.
4. Conduct themselves in a professional manner in all of their dealings with students.
5. Refuse to accept gifts, gratuities, favors, money or other compensation that might impair or appear to impair or influence their decisions and actions.
6. Maintain all certification required for their job.
7. Not show flagrant disregard, misuse or misappropriation of monies, materials and/or other property of the Decatur County Board of Education.
8. Not use Decatur County Board of Education property for private or personal use.
9. Not solicit students, parents or colleagues to purchase any items or services that would result in personal or private profit.
10. Not sexually exploit or abuse students in any manner at any time to include:
A. Any unlawful sexual act.
B. Any solicitation of any sexual acts whether written, verbal or physical.
C. Any act of child abuse, as defined by law.
D. Any act of sexual harassment, as defined by law.
E. Any solicitation, encouragement or communication of a physical relationship with a student or any sexual contact with a student.
11. Not be under influence of, possess, use and/or consent to on any Decatur County Board of Education property or at any school-sponsored activity any alcoholic beverage and or controlled substance or furnish alcohol or any controlled substance to any student.
12. Not use a privately own beeper or cellular phone during instructional time.
13. Not possess (or threaten to use) a firearm on a school property.
14. Perform all jobs duties and responsibilities as required by their supervisor.
15. Abide by the Drug Free Workplace Policy GAMA as a condition of employment.
16. Abide by the Tobacco Free Environment Policy GAN as a condition of employment.
_______________________________ ___________________________________
Date Signature
|It is the policy of the Decatur County Board of Education not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, |
|veteran status, or disabled condition in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices. |
DECATUR COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM
Fraud Administrative Regulations
Reporting Suspicion of Fraudulent Activities
Purpose: To ensure that the reporting of suspicion of fraudulent activity the Decatur County Board of Education ensures employees, clients and providers of confidential channels to report suspicious activities.
Definitions: Fraud: A false representation of a matter of fact, whether by words or by conduct, or by concealment of that which should have been disclosed, that is used for the purpose of misappropriating property and/or monetary funds from federal grants.
Statement of Decatur County Board of Education thoroughly and expeditiously
Administrative investigates any reported cases of suspected fraud to determine if
Regulations: disciplinary, financial recovery and/or criminal action should be taken.
Confidentiality: All reports of suspect fraud must be handled under the strictest confidentiality. Only those directly involved in the investigation should be given information. Informants may remain anonymous but should be encouraged to cooperate with the investigators and should provide as much detail and evidence of alleged fraudulent act as possible.
Procedures and 1. Anyone suspecting fraud concerning federal programs
Responsibilities: should report their concerns to Decatur County Board of
Education at 229-248-2200.
2.Any employee with Decatur County Board of Education (temporary staff, full
time staff and contractors) who receives a report of suspected fraudulent active
must report this information within the next business day. You are to contact the
Decatur County Board of Education at 229-248-2200. Employees have the
responsibility to report suspected fraud. All reports can be made in confidence.
3.The Decatur County Board of Education shall conduct investigations of
employees, providers, contractors, or vendors.
4.If necessary you will be contacted for additional information.
5.Periodic communication through meetings should emphasize the responsibilities
and channels to report suspected fraud.
[pic]
A3 Guidelines / Procedures
Teachers are responsible for utilizing, providing accurate documentation, and maintaining A3 records. Students, who are not progressing adequately, failing, receiving interventions and are progress monitored, must have current documentation as prescribed by A3. One day per month, during planning time, has been set aside for certified personnel to participate in A3 procedures. Belinda Ingram, Counselor and Ortega Ross, Lead Teacher, will serve as A3 Consultants for WBE to provide guidance as needed.
Accident Reports
WBE personnel are to report student and employee injuries that occur on school grounds to Nurse Parrish, Susan Lynn and/or principal. Any accident requiring attention must be recorded on the Accident Report Form before the end of the day by the school nurse. When any student is injured to the extent that emergency treatment is required, the EMT's will be called and attempts will be made to contact the parents but not at the neglect of the child.
All WBE personnel are asked to complete the Faculty/Staff Information Sheet in the event that a medical or emergency need arises. This information remains confidential and is secured in the front office. Any faculty/staff member who becomes ill should contact the school nurse. If a faculty injury or accident occurs, you must immediately report the mishap to the principal, nurse, and school bookkeeper, Susan Lynn. Mrs. Lynn will assist you in the completion of appropriate accident forms.
Announcements
The Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence will take place at approximately 7:45 a.m. each day over the intercom or as live announcements. Any teacher requesting an announcement to be made via email or live broadcast must do so in writing to the principal no later than the day before. To respect instructional time, announcements over the intercom will be made by the administrative office staff and only in case of emergencies. Bulletin boards in the teachers' workrooms are for teachers' use for personal announcements, thank you cards, etc. This board is also for official office memos from our school and the central office. E-mail and live news-show will serve as daily communication bulletins. Please read email by 7:50 a.m. each day and again at the end of the day. If a teacher/staff member should receive a note or a phone call (unless for an emergency) the class will not be interrupted to deliver the message. Therefore, it is necessary for each teacher/staff member to check their mailbox and/or email before leaving the school campus for the day.
Attendance
2013-2014 Attendance Guidelines Overview
Student Attendance Protocol
I. School System Procedures
Decatur County Board of Education will monitor student attendance daily. Codes for attendance used in the student records database (Infinite Campus) will be consistent between schools to indicate excused absences, unexcused absences, excused tardies, unexcused tardies, early withdrawals, in-school suspensions, and out-of-school suspensions. The Decatur County Board of Education will adopt policy and procedure outlining the specific steps to be taken to monitor and address student attendance. Each school will create a building level procedure in accordance with this policy.
Upon enrollment and registration each school year, parents and guardians will be given notice of State Compulsory Attendance Law pursuant to O.C.G.A. Code 20-2-690.1 and the Decatur County Board of Education school attendance policy JBD. The school will make reasonable efforts to ensure receipt and comprehension of the policy by requesting signatures from parents/guardians that this notice was received and understood. At the middle and high school, students will also receive this notice and provide a signature. At the elementary school, this notice will be received by all students who have reached age ten (10) or above by September 1 of that school year. This notice should also be included in each school’s Code of Conduct.
Each school will utilize the Attendance Support Team (AST) to address attendance concerns. An AST meeting that is convened for the purpose of discussing attendance will be chaired by each school’s Principal or other designated Administrator and include as its members a rotating committee of faculty having direct contact with the parents/guardians of or providing direct service to the specific student(s) to be discussed as well as the School Social Worker. School Resource Officers will also be invited to participate, as appropriate. Each school’s AST will meet as needed and be responsible for implementing and monitoring policy to reduce tardy days, early withdrawals, and truancy. Parents/guardians shall be invited to and encouraged to attend these meetings.
Daily attempts will be made to call the parents/guardians of absent students. In cases known to involve joint or shared custody or guardianship of a student, efforts should be made to contact all individuals with custodial rights. This principal shall also apply to steps mentioned hereinafter.
Tardies and Early Checkout
Definition of Terms
Tardy to School: Any student arriving at school following the ringing bell, chime, or other audible signal established by the Principal and intended to indicate the start of the school day. Any student who is on school property but is not in his or her assigned classroom or other authorized area following the bell, chime, or other audible signal will be considered tardy to school.
Tardy to Class: A student is “tardy to class” when he/she arrives to class following the ringing bell, chime or other audible signal indicating the beginning of instructional time.
Excused Tardy: A tardy resulting from events beyond a student’s control shall be determined excused by the Principal or designee. Events may include an accident, road closed due to an accident, area power outage, late bus, or other incidents. Documentation is required to excuse a tardy.
Unexcused Tardy: Incidents including over-sleeping, heavy traffic, errands, delays at a train crossing, or similar excuses determined by the Principal or designee as unacceptable are unexcused. Documentation will not obligate the Principal or designee to excuse an unexcused tardy.
Early Checkout: Leaving school prior to the end of instructional time and/or the end of the official school day.
➢ Excused: Early checkouts for emergency, illness, or other reasons that the Principal deems
necessary or reasonable. Documentation is required to excuse an early dismissal.
Records will be kept at each school to document the number of days a student misses due
to early checkouts.
➢ Excessive incidents of unexcused early checkout may result in disciplinary action or referral to the AST as
the Principal deems necessary.
Unexcused: Early checkouts for reasons other than those approved by the Principal.
➢ Excessive incidents of unexcused early checkout may result in disciplinary action or referral to the AST as the Principal deems necessary.
Official School Start/End Time: The time designated by the principal and advertised to students and parents as the official start or end of the school day. Correct time will be the time as determined accurate by the school principal, indicated on a designated school clock, and displayed in a prominent location.
Attendance Support Team (AST): An interdisciplinary group that uses a systematic process to address attendance problems that impact learning of K-12 students in a school.
Unexcused Tardies and Early Checkouts:
• Students accumulating three (3) days of unexcused tardies to school will receive a referral to the Principal or Principal’s designee for violation of Board Policy JBD: Absences and Excuses.
• At the school system’s discretion, students establishing a pattern of early checkouts may be referred to the Principal or Principal’s designee for disciplinary or other appropriate action.
• Students leaving early or arriving late to class may be counted absent from the class or classes missed if they are not present more than 15 minutes of the entire instructional period.
Consequences and Penalties for Unexcused Tardies/Early Checkouts
The Principal or Principal’s designee may assign consequences and penalties for unexcused tardies and/or early checkouts that may include, but are not limited to the following:
• Third Tardy: Written notification to notify parent(s), guardian(s) or other person(s) having control or charge of the student of possible consequences for continued tardies.
• Fourth to Ninth Tardies:
Elementary and Middle School Students: Referral(s) to the Principal or the Principal’s designee for disciplinary consequences (detention for each tardy), counselor’s referral, social work referral or other appropriate action.
High School Students: Upon a student’s fourth (4th) tardy, a disciplinary referral will be
Made to the Principal or Principal’s designee. Consequences may include loss of driving
privileges, detention, in-school suspension, or other action in accordance with local school system policy.
• Ten or More Tardies: Ten or more tardies may result in immediate referral to support
agencies outside the school system as the Principal deems appropriate. Among these
agencies are the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS), law enforcement,
Juvenile Court, Family and/or Youth Connections, or other external agencies.
Truant Students
Definition of Terms
Truant: Any child subject to compulsory attendance who during the school calendar year has more than five days of unexcused absences.
Exception for Suspension: School days missed as a result of an out of school suspension shall not count as unexcused days for the purpose of determining student truancy.
Excused Absences: Local board of education shall adopt policies and procedures excusing students from school under the following circumstances, as a minimum:
• Personal illness (Excessive or extended absences may require an excuse from medical doctor)
• Circumstances where attendance in school endangers a student’s health or the health of others
• Serious illness in a student’s immediate family
• A court order or an order by a governmental agency, including pre-induction physical examinations for service in the armed forces, mandating absence from school
• Observing religious holidays, necessitating absence from school
• Conditions rendering attendance impossible or hazardous to student health or safety
• Local boards of education may allow a period not to exceed one day for registering to vote or voting in a public election
• Local boards of education shall count students present when they are serving as pages of the Georgia General Assembly
Grades and Absences: Final student course grades shall not be penalized because of absences if the following conditions are met.
• Absences are justified and validated for excusable reasons.
• Make up work for excused absences were completed satisfactorily. Local boards of education are not required to provide make-up work for unexcused absences.
Absence Reduction Plan: The board of education adopts the following policies and/or procedures to reduce
unexcused absences.
Parental Notification: Statement of Receipt
• The school system will provide the parent(s), guardian(s), or other person(s) having control or charge of each student enrolled in public school with a written summary of possible consequences and penalties for failing to comply with compulsory attendance.
• By September 1 of each school year or within 30 school days of a student’s enrollment in the school system, the parent(s), guardian(s), or other person(s) having control or charge of such student must sign a statement indicating receipt of the written statement of possible consequences for non-compliance with local school compulsory attendance policy and protocol.
Consequences and Penalties for Violation of Compulsory Attendance
The Principal or Principal’s designee may assign consequences and penalties for unexcused absences and/or early checkouts at any time if he/she deems necessary. Consequences and penalties may include, but are not limited to the following:
Five Unexcused Absences in the School Calendar Year:
• Schools will notify the parent(s), guardian(s) or other person(s) who has control or charge of the student when such student has accumulated five unexcused absences in the school calendar year.
• Notice of five accumulated absences will include notification of the penalties and consequences of such absences.
• After five unexcused absences in the school calendar year, each subsequent absence will constitute a separate offense.
Notification
• Schools will make two reasonable attempts by phone, conference, letter, email, or other appropriate means to notify the parent(s), guardian(s) or other person(s) who has control or charge of the student when five unexcused absences in an academic year have occurred and of the penalties and consequences for violation of compulsory attendance.
• If two reasonable attempts to notify the parent(s), guardian(s) or other person(s) who has control or charge of the student have been unsuccessful, the school will send written notice via certified mail with return receipt requested. Such notification will include a reminder of previous notice to the parent(s), guardian(s), or other person(s) having control or charge of each student enrolled in public school containing a written summary of possible consequences and penalties for failing to comply with compulsory attendance.
Six or More Unexcused Absences in an Academic Year
Six Unexcused Absences: Students accumulating six (6) days of unexcused absences in a semester will receive a referral to the Principal or administrative designee for violation of Board Policy JBD: Absences and Excuses. Upon a student’s accumulation of six (6) or more unexcused absences in the school calendar year, a student’s homeroom teacher will make a referral to the Principal or designee for Attendance Support Team (AST) intervention. Prior to the first AST meeting, a school social worker, school nurse or other appropriate staff member will attempt contact with the student and parent(s), guardian(s) or other person(s) who has control or charge of the student.
The school social worker will participate as part of the AST to assist with the development of interventions and strategies for improvement of the student’s school attendance.
Ten Unexcused Absences: Upon a student’s accumulation of ten (10) unexcused absences in the school calendar year, the school social worker will refer the student and parent to Decatur County Truancy Education and Mediation (TEAM) for contracted participation in the TEAM truancy diversion program. The school social worker will serve to coordinate efforts between the school AST and TEAM in monitoring attendance.
Violation of TEAM Truancy Diversion Contract or refusal to participate in the TEAM truancy diversion program may result in immediate referral to the appropriate court, including but not limited to one or more of the following:
• Students ages six (6) to seventeen (17) and their parent(s), guardian(s), or other person(s) having control or charge of the student to the Juvenile Court for possible Protective Order or other appropriate disposition.
• Parent(s), guardian(s), or other person(s) having control or charge of students ages six (6) to seventeen (17) to State Court for Failure to Comply with Compulsory Attendance.
Student’s excuses MUST be turned into and retained in the office for documentation purposes. Mrs. Peacock will handle the coding of excused/unexcused attendance. Remember, parents have live access to their child’s attendance through the Parent Portal. It is the teacher’s responsibility to mark accurate daily attendance.
Audio Visual
All audio visual materials are to be obtained from the media center. Teachers are responsible for all materials checked out to them. A media committee member will function as media contact person at each grade level. All videos or programming shown to any class at this school will relate directly to the lesson or materials at hand and will be documented as such on lesson plans. Any video cassette shown on this campus must be G rated. Any video brought from outside the school media center must be previewed before being shown to students. Administrative approval is required before showing movies.
Bell Schedule
7:00 AM Bus arrival
7:50 AM Teachers/students report to classrooms
8:00 AM Tardy Bell (No student is admitted after 8:00 a.m.
without a tardy slip from the office
3:20 AM Car dismissal
3:40 AM Bus dismissal
Arrival and Dismissal Information
HOURS
Office (7:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
Teachers (7:40 AM - 3:40 PM)
STUDENT HOURS
7:00 AM - 7:30 AM - Bus students arrive
7:30 AM - 7:40 AM - Walkers/Riders begin to arrive
7:50 AM - Announcements
8:00 AM - Tardy bell---late students must go by office for a tardy slip
3:30 PM - Dismissal of Walkers / Car-Riders
3:40 PM - Dismissal of bus students
ARRIVAL
The safety of our students is our upmost concern. Please read carefully the guidelines for arrival and dismissal and help us have a safe and orderly campus.
Bus Students will begin to arrive at 7:00 AM in the rear of the school. All students will go directly to the cafeteria where breakfast is being served.
Car Riders will be dropped off in the front of the school. Parents should enter the campus from the front drive where the marquee is located. All vehicles should travel in the right lane for student drop-off, pulling down to the first adult on duty. WBE personnel will unload four to five cars at a time. For safety reasons, all students must exit vehicles on the right passenger side. The left lane should only be utilized for those parents driving through to locate a parking space. If you are going to escort your child into the building, use the pedestrian crosswalk under the covered area to safely walk your child into the school.
➢ All students arriving before 7:50 AM must report to the cafeteria for breakfast and monitoring purposes.
DISMISSAL
You will provide the information for afternoon dismissal on the form provided in your beginning school packet. Any daily transportation change requires a signed note from a parent/guardian. All parental notes must be given to the teacher or office personnel upon arrival to school. Transportation changes will not be taken over the phone and will only be allowed in cases of emergency. These policies will be strictly enforced for the safety of your child.
Daycare Vans will dismiss at 3:20 PM in the rear of the school. Cars are not allowed on the back driveway at any time.
Bus students will dismiss at 3:40 PM in the rear of the school. Parents are not allowed to enter the bus loading area at anytime. No students are allowed to exit the school bus once loaded.
Car Riders will remain seated inside the school building, to ensure safety until parents have entered the loading stations.
All students in. . . .
➢ Pre-K – 1st grades are loaded from the right lane, closest to the school building.
➢ 2nd – 4th grades will be escorted across the covered crosswalk and loaded into cars waiting on the left lane, closest to the flag pole.
If you have a student in 2nd – 4th grades with younger siblings, all children will be dismissed with the younger child in the right-hand lane. Please signal with your left signal light, if you need to be directed into the left lane. On duty personnel will motion when it is safe for your vehicle to move into the left lane for pick-up.
Please remember that staff members are on duty and will gladly open your vehicle door to help your child into the car. Please exercise caution as the WBE staff members direct traffic and load students to ensure a safe and timely dismissal.
Due to emergencies and transportation codes, parents may not begin parking in the left lane until 3:20 PM. All traffic must remain in the right lane until this time.
Change in Transportation
Any daily transportation change requires a signed note from a parent/guardian. All parental notes must be given to the teacher or office personnel upon arrival to school, first thing in the morning. Teachers, nor office personnel, will take the word of a student regarding transportation changes. Transportation changes will not be taken over the phone. These policies will be strictly enforced for the safety of your child.
BREAKFAST/LUNCH PROGRAM INFORMATION
Breakfast is free to all students and will be served in the cafeteria as students arrive from 7:00 AM – 7:45
AM. If your child wishes to eat breakfast at school, he/she must arrive no later than 7:45 AM, in order to
have adequate time to eat breakfast.
A free and nutritious lunch will be offered to all students with a menu determined by the nutritional staff. Please contact the office, school nurse or nutritional manager if your child has a food allergy. Forms to document allergies will be sent home with beginning of year paperwork to be completed and returned to maintain healthy conditions.
The lunch menu will be posted in the monthly newsletter, WBE website, outside of the cafeteria and in the local media. Children may bring lunches to school if they wish, however, soft drinks and restaurant meals are not allowed.
Building Leadership Team
The BLT will consist of the Principal, Assistant Principal, Lead Teacher, Grade-Level Chairpersons, Sp. Education Chairperson, Enrichment Chairperson, Media Specialist, Paraprofessional, and Counselor. This team will serve as the leadership component for our school and will work collaboratively to uphold the school’s Non-Negotiable Goals.
Bulletin Boards
Bulletin board strips for attractive instructional displays are located in each hallway. Bulletin boards in each classroom should be maintained appropriately. Student work displayed should be examples of good form. Bulletin boards should be useful, instructional, and pertain directly to units covered in class.
Child Abuse Reporting
Teachers are required by law to report any suspected child abuse to the principal and/or counselor of the school. The Decatur County Schools Mandated Child Abuse Reports Form must be completed and turned into the school counselor or principal. Forms are available through the counselor or principal. Updates in appropriate identification and reporting of suspected abuse are to be done at the beginning of the school term. If child abuse is observed, suspected or reported, the principal and/or counselor will file a report with Family and Children Services, or ask the system’s visiting attendance worker to begin an investigation and file a report. A case worker from Family and Children Services may want to visit the school for a conference with the child. It is your professional duty to cooperate with the case worker.
Classroom Schedules
All instructional personnel are required to submit a daily class schedule, and post a copy inside the classroom door. Six or seven periods will be accounted for at each grade level on the appropriate form. Three hundred thirty (330) minutes of instructional time must be accumulated in grade 4 and three hundred (300) minutes in grades K-3. Paraprofessionals are also required to submit a daily schedule and post in assigned classrooms.
Classroom/Student Files
Teachers will establish for each student a classroom file for recordkeeping. All files from the previous year will remain available until after the first grading period in the new school year. This includes all classroom documentation.
Cell Phones
Cell phone use is prohibited during instructional time – this includes receiving or completing phone
calls and/or text messages. Cell phones should NEVER be used in the presence of students. If you are in an emergency situation, simply notify the principal that you need to keep your cell phone on vibrate.
Committee Assignments
All teachers and staff will serve on at least one of the various committees at WBE, but are welcome to serve on multiple committees if desired. Some participants have been pre-assigned due to the committee function, but all other assignments will be filled based on personnel choice.
Committee choice must be submitted to Deborah Brown by July 31, 2013.
West Bainbridge Elementary 2013 – 2014 Committees
|ABE |AR / Media / Webpage |Behavior Intervention Team |Box Top |
|Allyson G. Matthews |Allyson G. Matthews |Allyson G. Matthews | |
|Deborah H. Brown |Nikki Martin |Deborah H. Brown | |
|Ortega Ross |Deborah H. Brown |Ortega Ross | |
|Belinda Ingram |Ortega Ross |Belinda Ingram | |
|Tiffany Hall | |Maria Clark | |
| | |Tiffany Hall |Dynamic Dozen |
| | |Angela Leon |Ortega Ross |
|Grade-Chairs (P – 4) |Hospitality & Teacher Incentives |Karri Parramore |Grant |
|Pre-K: |Allyson G. Matthews |Christy Ward |Karri Parramore |
|Kindergarten: Crystal Smith |Deborah H. Brown |King and Queen Fundraiser |Ortega Ross |
|Grade 1: |Ortega Ross | |Parent Advisory |
|Grade 2: |Dana Martin | |Allyson G. Matthews |
|Grade 3: Stephanie Landeen | | |Deborah H. Brown |
|Grade 4: | | |Ortega Ross |
|Specialist: | | |Gail Bouie |
|Leadership Team |School Carnival |STEM |Student of the Month |
|Allyson G. Matthews | |Donna McGlincy | |
|Deborah H. Brown | |Allyson G. Matthews | |
|Ortega Ross | |Deborah H. Brown | |
|Belinda Ingram | |Brandy Brock | |
|Pre-K: | |Maria Clark | |
|Kindergarten: Crystal Smith | |Kerri Gardner | |
|Grade 1: | |Tiffany Hall | |
|Grade 2: |School Council |Natalie Howard |Year Book |
|Grade 3: Stephanie Landeen |Allyson G. Matthews |Angela Leon |Karri Parramore |
|Grade 4: | |Tammi Lyle |Bill Dixon |
| | |Letiana Miller |Christy Ward |
| | |Angela Leon | |
| | |Karri Parramore | |
| |Special Education Contact |Ortega Ross | |
| |Jamie Chapman |Christy Ward | |
| |
Complaints and Grievances
It is the policy of the Board of Education that certified personnel shall have the right to present and resolve complaints relating to certain matters affecting the employment relationship at the lowest organizational level possible. The Board of Education encourages all employees to resolve their complaints informally in a spirit of congeniality where possible. This policy and procedure is available where such efforts do not succeed or where, for any other reason, the certified employee desires to pursue this procedure.
Copyright
All copyright laws are to be strictly adhered to at WBE. The media specialist will be responsible for informing teachers of the copyright laws as they relate to use by school personnel. The principal is responsible in making sure these laws are followed. Permission to use copyright materials may be granted by the publisher when requested. Copyright includes all print and non-print material (i.e., computer software). See our Media Specialist for the appropriate forms.
Counselor
Today's school counselors are vital members of the Career, Technical and Agricultural Education team. They help all students in the areas of academic achievement; personal/social development and career development, ensuring today's students become the productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow.
The School Counseling Program has undergone a transformation from a program of entitlement to one of performance and continuous improvement. School counselors now focus on improved student results that measure the impact of goals and objectives. The essential question becomes” How has student academic achievement improved as a result of what counselors do?”
WBE School Counselor, Belinda Ingram, provides guidance and career instruction as well as individualized services. She facilitates SST, 504, and is a liaison to local agencies. Her assistance with A3 provides student documentation that is required through the Tiers of Intervention.
Custodial Parents
School law specifically states that only custodial parents may make decisions regarding their child’s placement or progress in school. We, however, may not deny information to the non-custodial parent regarding the child’s progress in school unless it is specifically denied by the court and a legal document stating such is on file at the school. Parents have the right to any and all information regarding their child’s progress in school. All information disseminated concerning a student must be appropriately documented.
Custodial Services
The teacher is responsible for the room assigned, and it is the teacher's duty to see that the room is kept neat, clean, attractive, and free of clutter. Teachers should see that students respect school property and report any student abusing school property to the principal. The custodial staff is part of the WBE team keeping our school clean and in respectable order. We all need to assist the custodial staff by remembering the following:
▪ See that students keep litter off the floor and off the school grounds. Have them check for stray paper, etc., before coming in after recess.
▪ Involve the students in keeping the room clean and attractive. Duty assignments give students ownership and foster school pride.
▪ See that all windows are closed and locked at the end of the day and the shades or blinds
are lowered and closed.
▪ Request on the appropriate work order any repairs needed in your room or on campus that
you see and return it to the school bookkeeper.
▪ Requests for any special custodial services, including the replacement of light bulbs, should be made to the principal.
▪ See that all lights and computers are turned off at the end of the day and thermostats adjusted to energy efficient levels.
▪ Report the need for exterminating services to the principal.
▪ Do not leave open food/drinks in classrooms.
Custodians on this campus have a general schedule of duties to adhere to each day. Emergencies occur on occasion and will be taken care of in a timely manner with a call to the office. Any request for custodial services outside the regular routine must be turned in to the principal. Your cooperation with our custodial staff in keeping the school campus clean will be appreciated. Any problem with custodial services should be reported to the principal immediately. Periodic evaluation will be given to you for your input in the cleanliness of our school and your area.
Discipline
Consistency and clear expectations are the keys to controlling student behavior. All faculty/staff will implement the WBE School Wide Discipline Plan. A pro-active approach to discipline is preferred. Each teacher is to completely and thoroughly explain the discipline program to be used with students and their parents. School-wide rules must be posted in all classrooms and in designated areas of the building. School procedures are to be taught to each student. Practice procedures for hall, classroom, cafeteria, etc. Never assume that students “know” all rules and procedures. It is our desire that students be taught the expectations you have for them and the reasons why you must have your class procedures. (See SWPBP Handout).
Dress Code
Research confirms that one’s dress and appearance affect the attitude of the class. All employees are expected to dress professionally as outlined by the Decatur County Board of Education:
▪ Jeans will not be allowed to be worn at any time during the regular school term other than the designated schedule (Fridays). All jeans must be neatly ironed and reflect
professional dress.
▪ Jeans may be worn on planning days, in-service days (on campus), and on field trips.
▪ Capri pants are acceptable.
▪ No T-shirt material shorts or casual shorts should be worn.
▪ Leggings are not acceptable.
▪ Overalls are not acceptable.
▪ Overall professional look will be determined by the administrators.
▪ Dresses or blouses must have straps at least 2 inches wide. Low cut necklines are not allowed.
▪ Tatoos or bodily piercings (other than ears) may not be visible.
▪ Thin soled flip flops are not appropriate.
▪ See through clothing (shirts, pants, etc.) may not be worn.
▪ Weekend wear is not appropriate for a professional look.
▪ Dresses and skirts must be appropriate in length for leaning over, sitting, etc.
▪ Remember, you are the role-model and professional.
Drug Free Work Force
The Board of Education is concerned with the well-being of all employees of the school system. The Board recognizes that a drug-free workplace encourages employee productivity and promotes the accomplishment of the board’s missions and goals. In accordance with Georgia’s Drug-Free Public Work Force Act of 1990, the Board of Education hereby declares that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, sale and possession of controlled substances, alcohol, or other dangerous drugs are prohibited in the workplace. (See Board Policy, GAM)
E Students
▪ An "E" Letter informing parents of their child’s below grade level performance in reading will be sent to parents during the first nine weeks. An “E” Letter will also be sent at anytime throughout the year when a student’s reading progress drops below grade level. The Central Office will provide a letter to go home with any student receiving an "E". This letter must be signed, returned, and put in the student's permanent folder.
▪ Failure/Retention Letters: All students receiving an "E" grade OR a failure grade for the semester must have a "Possible Retention Letter" sent home, signed and returned. Letters not received back should have a second letter sent home. These students should have been offered the opportunity to enroll in the Before/Afterschool Program. If parents refuse placement in the program, documentation will be placed in A3 and student’s permanent record.
▪ Students that are making A's or high B's while doing "E" work should be reviewed with the reading coach, principal, or assistant principal for placement on grade level.
▪ All “E” students must have the "E" typed or written next to the numerical grade on the Report Card and Permanent Record Grade Card.
Email
All WBE faculty/staff are required to check e-mail at least twice a day. E-mails must be checked early in the school day and before leaving campus in the afternoon. Mass emails (WBEALL) may not be sent out by any faculty /staff without administrative permission.
Emergency Drills/System Wide Safety Plan
Fire and/or tornado drills are required each month with two conducted the first two weeks of school. Exit diagrams for fire and shelter diagrams for tornado drills are required to be posted just inside each classroom door by the first day of school. Fire drill exits and shelter diagrams for tornado drills are included in Safety Plan. Teachers are required to teach the importance of the drills and their procedures early in the school term in order for the drills to run smoothly.
A System Wide Safety Plan has been devised for Decatur County, which includes specific details on the individual school level. Please refer to this detailed document for specific guidelines in handling emergency situations.
Emergency Plans/Substitute Handbook
Each teacher must keep a notebook containing emergency information for a substitute in the event that a need arises:
▪ Class rolls
▪ Departure Schedule (bus, car rider, walker)
▪ Discipline Procedures
▪ Emergency Procedures (fire, tornado, etc.)
▪ Grade level contact persons
▪ Lunch Schedule
▪ Master Schedule
▪ Passes (hall, media center, nurse, restroom, etc.)
▪ Teacher expectations
▪ Academic Procedures
➢ NOTE: These plans must be completed and placed in an easily assessable area by
August 12, 2013.
Energy Guidelines
Energy is our most rapidly rising operating expense. Our school system is facing the dilemma of increased expectations and reduced state funding; therefore, energy management is a necessity.
Some may argue that their job is education, not energy conservation, but every dollar that pays an unnecessarily high-energy bill could be spent for a much better purpose – teaching children. DOLLARS DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Our mission must be to provide the best possible education for all our students. Because rising energy costs have continued to take over increasing amounts of budget dollars, the school district has adopted an energy conservation policy. An energy management plan is being developed which will allow the school system to substantially reduce energy-related expenses.
We must pledge ourselves to use all our abilities in this effort. By making efforts to conserve our natural resources and by diligently conserving the dollars budgeted, we will be able to continue providing the quality education which our community expects and deserves.
Guidelines
(Energy Conservation and Building Management)
Responsibilities:
• Every person is expected to be an “energy saver” as well as an “energy consumer.”
• The teacher is responsible for implementing the guidelines during the time that he/she is
present in the classroom.
• The custodian is responsible for control of common areas, i.e. halls, cafeteria, etc.
• Since the custodian is typically the last person to leave a building in the evening, he/she is
responsible for verification of the nighttime shutdown.
• The principal is responsible for the total energy usage of his/her building.
• The Energy Manager performs routine audits of all facilities and communicates the audit
results to the appropriate personnel.
• The Energy Manager provides regular reports to Principals indicating performance with
regards to energy savings.
• The district is committed to and responsible for maintenance of the learning environment.
• To complement the district’s energy management program, the district shall develop
and implement a preventive maintenance and monitoring plan for its facilities and
systems, including HVAC, building envelope, and moisture management.
General
1. Classroom doors shall remain closed when HVAC is operating. Ensure doors between
air conditioned space and non-air conditioned space remain closed at all times (i.e. between
hallways and gym or pool area).
2. Proper and thorough utilization of data loggers will be initiated and maintained to monitor
relative humidity, temperature, and light levels throughout the district’s buildings to ensure
compliance with district guidelines.
3. All exhaust fans should be turned off every day and during unoccupied hours.
4. All office machines (copy machines, laminating equipment, etc.) shall be switched off each
night and during unoccupied times. Fax machines should remain on.
5. All computers should be turned off each night. This includes the monitor, local printer, and
speakers. Network equipment is excluded.
6. All capable PC’s should be programmed for the “energy saver” mode using the power
management feature. If network constraints restrict this for the PC, ensure the monitor
“sleeps” after 10-minutes of inactivity.
Rev C, 03/2004
_________________________________________________________________________________
HEATING EQUIPMENT
1. Occupied temperature settings shall NOT be above 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. The unoccupied temperature setting shall be 55 degrees Fahrenheit (i.e. setback). This may
be adjusted to a 60 degree Fahrenheit setting during extreme weather.
3. The unoccupied time shall begin when the students leave an area.
4. During the spring and fall when there is no threat of freezing, all steam and forced air heating
systems should be switched off during unoccupied times. Hot water heating systems should
be switched off using the appropriate loop pumps.
5. Ensure all domestic hot water systems are set no higher than 120 degree Fahrenheit or 140
degree Fahrenheit for cafeteria service (with dishwater booster).
6. Ensure all domestic hot water re-circulating pumps are switched off during unoccupied times.
7. For heat pumps, ensure a 6 degree Fahrenheit dead-band between heating and cooling
modes.
____________________________________________________________________________________LIGHTING
1. All unnecessary lighting in unoccupied areas will be turned off. Teachers should make certain
That lights are turned off when leaving the classroom when empty. Utilize natural lighting
where appropriate.
2. All outside lighting shall be off during daylight hours.
3. Gym lights should not be left on unless the gym is being utilized.
4. All lights will be turned off when students and teachers leave school. Custodians will turn on
lights only in the areas in which they are working.
5. Refrain from turning lights on unless definitely needed. Remember that lights not only
consume electricity, but also give off heat that places an additional load on the air conditioning
equipment and thereby increases the use of electricity necessary to cool the room.
____________________________________________________________________________________
WATER
1. Ensure all plumbing and/or intrusion (i.e. roof) leaks are reported and repaired immediately.
2. All watering should be done between 5:00 A.M. and 10:00 A.M.
3. When spray irrigating, ensure the water does not directly hit the building.
(After official approval by administration a copy should be disseminated to all district personnel. Copies should be posted on bulletin boards, teacher’s lounges, district newsletters, etc.)
Disclaimer: The district shall adopt, observe and implement these guidelines as provided. However, these guidelines are not intended to be all-inclusive, and they may be modified for local conditions. These guidelines supersede all previous instructions related to energy conservation or building management.
Rev C, 03/2004
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
AIR CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT
1. Occupied temperature settings shall NOT be set below 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. During unoccupied times, the air conditioning equipment shall be off. The unoccupied period begins when the students leave the area at the end of the school day. It is anticipated that the temperature of the classroom will be maintained long enough to afford comfort for the period the teacher remains in the classroom after the students have left.
3. Air conditioning start times may be adjusted (depending on weather) to ensure classroom comfort when school begins.
4. Ensure outside air dampers are closed during unoccupied times.
5. Ceiling fans should be operated in all areas that have them.
6. For any 24-hr period of time, relative humidity levels shall NOT average greater than 60%.
7. Air conditioning should not be utilized in classrooms during the summer months unless the classrooms are being used for summer school or year-round school. Air conditioning may be used by exception only or in those schools that are involved in team-cleaning.
8. In all areas which have evaporative coolers such as shops, kitchens and gymnasiums, the doors leading to halls which have air conditioned classrooms or dining areas should be kept closed as much as possible.
9. Where cross-ventilation is available during periods of mild weather, shut down HVAC equipment and adjusts temperature with windows and doors. Cross-ventilation is defined as having windows and/or doors to the outside on each side of a room.
Rev C, 03/2004
West Bainbridge Elementary School
2013 – 2014
Grade-Level’s Enrichment / Planning/ Lunch Times
| | | |
|Grade-Level |Enrichment / Planning |Lunch Time |
| | | |
|Pre-K |9:10 a.m. – 9:55 a.m. |10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. |
| | | |
|Kindergarten |8:05 a.m. – 9:05 a.m. |11:05 a.m. – 11:47 a.m. |
| | | |
|First Grade |10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. |11:30 a.m. – 12:09 p.m. |
| | | |
|Second Grade |1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. |11:45 a.m. – 12:24 p.m. |
| | | |
|Third Grade |11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. |12:30 p.m. – 1:09 p.m. |
| | | |
|Fourth Grade |2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. |1:00 p.m. – 1:39 p.m. |
| |7:40 a.m. – 8:05 a.m. | |
|Enrichment |9:55 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. |12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
| | | |
[pic]
West Bainbridge Elementary School
“Home of the Wildcats”
Excellence, Engagement and Accountability…for ALL
Faculty/Staff Meetings
A school-wide faculty/staff meeting will be held once per month on a designated day from 3:45 PM – 4:30 PM or as indicated in the WBE yearly calendar. All WBE personnel must attend unless excused by the Principal. These meetings will provide school/system information, curriculum guidance, and accreditation work sessions. A regular grade meeting for the purpose of planning must be designated on another day of the week. Certified personnel who work with paraprofessionals are required to meet weekly to review plans for the upcoming week. Designated Thursdays will be set aside for coaches’ meetings and A3 documentation. All plans, decisions, etc., must be recorded and filed in the Grade-Level Meeting Notebook. Documentation will be used as Title 1 information.
Field Trips
All field trips should relate directly to the instructional program. Objectives should be well planned before the trip and follow-up activities conducted afterward. A field trip request and lesson plan form must be submitted to the principal for approval 3 weeks prior to desired field trip time. An administrator must be available for the field trip. Approval must be obtained from the principal and superintendent before any communication is discussed with students and parents. Permission slips must be sent home for parents to sign and return. Bus requests are the responsibility of the teacher and should be made well in advance for transportation on the appropriate form and must be approved by the principal and superintendent. It is also the responsibility of the teacher or grade chair to confirm bus and driver reservations with the bus shop at least three days in advance of the field trip. Requests may or may not be granted depending upon the availability of transportation and budget. The lunchroom should also be notified well in advance of a field trip. Field trips for the sole purpose of culminating the school term will not be approved. Each grade level committee may suggest field trips appropriate for the grade. All field trips must occur before May 1st .
Financial Policy
The principal, by law, is responsible for all funds received and disbursed by the school. All money collected by teachers from students for any purpose shall be handled through the school office. Receipts are to be given to each child who pays money for anything sold by this school except lunch. Lunch money will be handled by the school food service personnel. All money collected (except book club money) should be turned in daily in the designated packet with the amount enclosed listed. Teachers may request the re-imbursement of funds for the purchase of materials found at a school supply store, etc. Only materials requested in advance and on an appropriate purchase order will be considered for payment. The person ordering will be responsible for the bill unless accompanied by a purchase order from the school signed by the principal. Any fundraising or sale of merchandise must be approved in advance, through the principal, by the Board of Education. Fundraising sales to students at school is strictly prohibited.
Gifted Education
Definition:
A gifted student is one who demonstrates a high degree of intellectual and/or creative ability, exhibits an exceptionally high degree of motivation, and/or excels in specific academic fields, and who needs special instruction and/or special ancillary services to achieve at levels commensurate with his or her abilities.
Identification:
Decatur County Schools follow the Georgia Department of Education Rule 160-4-2-.38 Education Program for Gifted Students and due process in the identification and placement of students for gifted education services. Formal identification of students begins in kindergarten. To be eligible for gifted education services, students are evaluated in four data categories: mental ability, achievement, creativity, and motivation. Eligibility decisions comply with Georgia Department of Education Rule 160-4-2-.38.
Referral:
A student may be referred for consideration for gifted education services by teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self and other individuals with knowledge of the student’s abilities.
Procedures for Referral:
All referrals in grades K-2 are submitted to the eligibility team which consists of grade level teachers, the gifted teacher, the school counselor, and an administrator. This team is responsible for reviewing the student’s profile of information which consists of observational data, and the student’s standardized testing history. After reviewing the information, the team makes a determination of whether further evaluation is warranted. Referrals in grades three and four are based on Decatur County’s Automatic Referral Procedures. According to the procedures, students are selected for testing based on current CRCT scores which fall in the top ten percent of total reading and/or math scores.
Grading Practices and Procedures
A – 90 -100
B – 80 - 89
C – 70 - 79
F - Below 70
E – Indicates the student is working below grade level.
Grade Books and Records
Teachers are required to keep a grade book and document grades given to each student in each subject area. Grades are to be assigned fairly and systematically following the grading policy of this school/county (see Grading). The grade book should be an accurate reflection of the student's progress. Grade books are to be retained by the school at the end of the year for documentation.
Each teacher is responsible for entering student grades in the Infinite Campus computer record each nine weeks and for putting labels or documentation showing semester and year end grades in the permanent record when appropriate. Permanent/Duplicate Records are kept in the main office in fire-proof cabinets. Each teacher shall maintain a folder containing samples of work and other pertinent information concerning the student in the classroom. Students receive a Report Card after each nine week grading period, for a total of 4 times per year. No Report Card should be sent home where grades have been altered manually. Errors needing changes will be made during the report card verification process or by office personnel. There should not be a grade lower than a 60 on a student’s Report Card. Paw Progress Reports are sent home biweekly to notify parents of student progress, both academically and behaviorally. A complete record of student’s grades must be kept by the teacher in the grade book, and made available upon request. Reading and Math folders must be kept up-to-date and accurate as outlined by the Reading and Math Coaches’ guidelines.
Elementary Grading Procedures
2013-2014
.KEY POINTS IN GRADING FOR ALL SUBJECTS
This will be updated when received from the Curriculum Department
Promotion and Retention
Elementary schools abide by the Promotion and Retention of Students section of the Decatur County Board of Education Policy; Descriptor Code IHE. For a complete explanation of promotion and retention guidelines please refer to the WBE Website or the Decatur County Board of Education Website
Report Cards
Report Cards are sent home approximately one week after the end of a nine-week grading period. Report Cards indicate the progress a student has made during the grading period. The dates of the reporting periods are located on the school calendar page. Parents should sign and return the white envelope provided, and keep the report card.
Section 504
The Decatur County School System, including all staff and administrators have the responsibility of ensuring that all students with disabilities are identified, evaluated and provided with needed accommodations and services, resulting in a free appropriate public education (FAPE). Please refer to the Appendix to view the following documents: Notice of Rights of Students and Parents under Section 504 and Decatur County 504 Procedural Safeguards. For more information regarding (Section 504 of the Rehab. Act 1973, 45 CFR Part 84.), please visit our website at
Special Education Department
The Decatur County Exceptional Child Program offers special education and related services for eligible students ages three to twenty one. The procedures for identifying and determining eligibility for the program are governed by the Georgia Department of Education. The state of Georgia recognizes eligibility categories which include intellectual disabilities, hearing impairment including deafness, speech or language impairment, visual impairment including blindness, emotional disturbance, orthopedic impairment, autism, traumatic brain injury, other health impairment, specific learning disability, or deaf/blindness.
Grade Level Team
Grade Level Teams will consist of all teachers in each grade level. Grade Level Teams will meet weekly to discuss curriculum, assessment, student needs, and any other instructional topics deemed important.
Head Lice
Students who have head lice should be sent to the nurse for verification. LETTERS FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE will be sent home with the student. The nurse will document the number of times a child has had head lice. Students who have chronic cases of head lice will be referred by the nurse to the system social worker who will in turn refer the students to the Department of Family and Children Services for neglect.
Illness of Students
Students who become ill at school should have their parents contacted to pick them up. Students with fever should never remain at school. Teachers should send students who are ill to the school nurse. Teachers should send a note with the student stating the illness and any other information which would be helpful to the nurse regarding the child’s illness. The school nurse will call parents to pick up a child who is ill.
Ink Cartridges
Teachers/staff members must request cartridges from Mrs. Peacock, School Secretary. Remember that school computers and printers must be used for school business only, not personal use.
Jury Duty
All staff members will be released for jury duty when summoned. However, upon release from jury duty before working hours are over, staff members must report to work. Staff members are expected to report to work and be released for jury duty 30 minutes before expected arrival time unless arrangements are made with the principal.
Lead Teacher
Ortega Ross, Lead Teacher at West Bainbridge Elementary School, serves as an instructional resource for our faculty and staff. Miss Ross will assist with A3 documentation as well as an array of technological tools implemented within this county. Miss Ross will enhance the school setting by modeling instructional techniques and effective classroom management.
Leave Policy
Teachers and paraprofessionals are responsible for and must abide by the leave policy of the Decatur County Board of Education. Teachers are expected to be at school and signed in by their assigned time. All staff must arrive 5 minutes prior to their assigned duty time. ALL STAFF MEMBERS MUST BE IN ATTENDANCE DAILY UNLESS PROPERLY EXCUSED!
For personal leave to be considered the request must be made at least 3 days in advance of the date you are to be out and that request must be approved and signed by the principal. Any staff member who is absent for any reason on a holiday MAY require a doctor's excuse. Staff members must be present before and after a holiday. Any staff member who needs to be absent before or after a holiday should notify Mrs. Matthews. A WBE Leave Form must be completed when an absence occurs. Doctor appointments are usually made in advance; therefore, a teacher or paraprofessional should notify Mrs. Matthews as much in advance on the appropriate form before being absent for this purpose. Every effort should be made for doctor’s appointments to be scheduled after your work day; however, unexpected absences due to illness should be reported to Mrs. Matthews by phone BEFORE 6:00 A.M. AT 254-0824 OR 248-2821. We discourage leaving school between 7:45 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. Excessive or habitual tardies or absences by teachers will have an adverse effect upon the instruction provided to your students. Any request for less than 1/2 day must be approved by the principal on the appropriate form.
Faculty Attendance Incentives:
Teachers who complete the school term with perfect attendance will be recognized by the Decatur County Board of Education. Accumulated sick leave now is used to calculate retirement. In addition, WBE administration will implement attendance incentives.
Lesson Plans
Teachers are to establish lesson plans that reflect current curriculum, GPS, and WBE 45 – 60 Day Action Plan. A copy of the plans should be placed in the clear pocket/pouch posted outside the classroom door by 8:00 a.m. each Monday. These plans will be readily available for administrative review at all times. Lesson plans will be picked up by the Lead Teacher, Miss Ross, on Fridays for documentation. Coordination and review of plans by resource personnel, regular education teachers, and paraprofessionals will be expected weekly.
Lesson plans must include:
▪ CCGPS/GPS/QCC number or reference to location
▪ SRA lesson and page number
▪ Spelling lesson and page numbers
▪ Math skills being taught and Investigations or Houghton Mifflin lessons and page numbers
▪ Evidence of technology use
▪ Science and Social Studies topic should be listed along with page number of text or materials listed.
▪ Progress Monitoring / Intervention techniques
▪ Blooms or reference to high level thinking skills
▪ CRISS strategies listed if trained
▪ Writing techniques
▪ Learning Focused Strategies
▪ Writing across the curriculum
Lunchroom Policy
Each class should follow the lunch schedule posted and arrive outside the cafeteria ready to proceed through the serving line at your designated time. Students have 30 minutes to be served and eat from the time they enter the lunchroom. Your adherence to the schedule is imperative for a smooth running lunchroom – this includes delivery and pick up from the lunchroom.
Information from the Decatur County Food Service and Nutrition Program is provided in this handbook.
WBE Lunchroom Procedures:
▪ Ice cream orders are sent in with lunch money and filled before lunch and stored; no orders will be taken after the morning pick-up is received.
▪ Students will line up in ABC order and travel through the lunch line.
▪ NO TALKING in line.
▪ Each classroom will have an assigned table(s) to be utilized daily.
▪ Before standing to dump trays, all trash is put into the milk carton. Students who do not drink milk may use a friend’s carton.
▪ All tables MUST be cleaned. Have assigned student helpers daily to handle this task.
▪ Teacher meets students outside the lunchroom.
▪ No student will be allowed to get ice from the ice machine.
▪ No student is allowed to get cups.
▪ Emergency ice is available in the nurse’s office.
▪ Carbonated drinks are not allowed in the lunchroom in the original container.
▪ Students are not allowed to share food.
▪ Students may talk softly to the people beside or across the table during lunch.
▪ Personnel on duty MUST monitor students carefully for their safety.
Mail
Teachers/staff members are furnished a mailbox for receiving mail at school. All calls from parents, etc., will be left in your box for your attention. Please answer all parent phone requests within a 24 hour time period. For security reasons, no classroom keys will be kept in school boxes.
Media Center
The Media Center at our school will function to provide the necessary materials to implement and enrich our school's curriculum and to provide an atmosphere where students put into practice the skills they have learned in class. It is open all day, every day to both teachers and students. The Media Specialist will have a flexible schedule and is considered a resource teacher to assist you with the regular curriculum. It is the policy of the Decatur County Board of Education to comply with all policies related to media and equipment, which have been approved by the Georgia Department of Education, and to adhere to any relevant state and federal laws. The Decatur County School System believes staff and students should have open access to local, national, and international sources of information. The system, by providing access to electronic services via the Internet, recognized the potential of such services to support curriculum and student learning. The goal of providing access is to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication. While the Internet offers students and teachers access to a variety of information, the system recognizes the possibility of misuse and abuse. The system will make every effort to protect students and teachers from these misuses and abuses but it is the responsibility of each user to continuously guard against inappropriate and illegal interaction with electronic services. The Decatur County School System is taking all reasonable steps to ensure the Internet is used only for purposes consistent with the curriculum. The Decatur County School System believes that the benefits to educators and students from access to the Internet, in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, far exceed, any disadvantages. But ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their child or ward should follow. To that end, the Decatur County School System supports and respects each family’s right to decide whether or not to apply for Internet access.
Procedures
Students may check in books, check out books, and work on individual research or projects during the school day. No more than two (2) students are to be sent from class to the Media Center without the presence of the classroom teacher or permission of the Media Specialist. All students must have a library pass unless accompanied by a teacher. Students must sign in and out of the classroom before leaving and returning to the room. Teachers are required to meet with the Media Specialist to plan all media activities. Teachers will need to sign up for orientation of the Media Center at the beginning of school for an explanation of media procedures. Appointments will be made with the Media Specialist for media lesson time at least one week in advance. Students working on individual projects or research may be sent to the media center at any time with a maximum of 2 students from class. Misconduct by students during a library visit will result in their being sent back to class. Students will not be sent to the library because of illness or to take tests, etc., if they are unable to participate in other activities. Teachers are to keep media materials for no longer than two weeks. (All equipment assigned to the classroom at the beginning of the year can be kept for that year.) Teachers are encouraged to browse in the Media Center to be aware of what is available in all subject areas. Planning assignments around accessible material will give students an opportunity to have successful library experiences. If there is any material that you may need in your subject area that we do not have available, please let the media specialist know; and we will attempt to get it for you.
Guidelines
▪ A teacher may schedule library check-out time or media lesson time one week in advance.
▪ Teachers may return items between 7:45 a.m. and 3:45 p.m.
▪ Research Time - The Media Center is an extension of the classroom. A teacher should plan in advance with the Media Specialist to have materials available for your lesson. The Media Specialist is available for assistance if needed.
▪ Noise Level - We are aware that all teachers have different levels of tolerance concerning student activities. Children should respect the library atmosphere and noise should be kept at a low level.
▪ When requesting materials, be sure to include the catalog name and number of the material along with your name on the request.
▪ Teachers will encourage students to keep up with the books they check out.
▪ Students are not permitted to move any equipment at any time. All equipment must be handled by an adult. Broken equipment must be returned to the Media Center by an adult. Please put your name on the equipment and describe the problem you are having.
▪ If you loan or borrow an item checked out from the Media Center, please notify the Media
Specialist.
▪ Georgia Book Awards should be returned to the Media Center once they have been shared with the class.
▪ Please send the Media Specialist the name, company, etc., of an item that you would like to have in the library.
▪ The Media Specialist will have a calendar on the shelf list desk for teachers to sign up for check-out time and/or media lesson time.
AR Guidelines for WBE Staff Members:
▪ No checking out books for your child.
▪ No taking tests in the parent’s classroom.
▪ No taking tests before/after school.
▪ All WBE students must take AR tests as designated within the school day by the grade level designated teacher on books that the student has checked out of the WBE Media Center.
Medication
Any medication brought to school by the student must be referred to the nurse. Teachers are to administer NO medication to any student at any time. Only students with approved medication permission forms on file in the nurse's office are to be sent to the nurse for medication.
Moment of Silence
Upon the opening of the school day students will participate in a brief period of quiet reflection for no more than 60 seconds as required by the Georgia law (O.C.G.A.20-2-1050). This event will take place during the morning TV announcements.
Paraprofessionals
The overall task of the paraprofessional is to assist certified personnel in providing appropriate learning experiences and educational opportunities for students. All paraprofessionals are to be ENGAGED WITH STUDENT LEARNING when students are in the classrooms. Specific duties include but are not limited to:
▪ Providing individual and small group instructional assistance
▪ Offering student intervention, progress monitoring, acceleration, etc.
▪ Assisting with recordkeeping
▪ Collecting and accounting for money
▪ Supervising students at lunch, recess, etc.
▪ Correcting tests and/or student assignments
▪ Reading and storytelling to the entire class
▪ Gathering and preparing instructional materials
▪ Performing routine instructional and evaluation tasks
▪ Filing, typing, duplicating, recording and similar clerical duties
▪ Performing routine housekeeping chores
▪ Keeping confidential all information concerning students or personnel within the school
▪ Working with students with special needs
Pre K paraprofessionals provide assistance in the Pre K classroom. Kindergarten paraprofessionals focus on kindergarten instruction and 1 additional grade level during kindergarten’s enrichment period. Special education paraprofessionals provide support for special education students during inclusion or pull-out sessions as scheduled, as well as regular education students. A designated group of rotating paraprofessionals present individual/small group assistance throughout grades 1-4 as assigned during the school day.
A paraprofessional's immediate supervisor is the certified personnel for which he/she is assigned to work. Teachers with a paraprofessional assigned are expected to make maximum use of their assistance in order for students to derive the maximum benefit. Paraprofessionals are assigned to supplement the instruction provided by the teacher. Teachers are expected to properly respect the paraprofessional assigned to work with them. Teachers are responsible for scheduling, directing and supervising all activities of the paraprofessional and informing them of all meetings or activities they must attend. If a concern arises with the performance of the paraprofessional, as the supervising teacher, you are responsible for communicating those areas of weakness in an attempt to improve the quality of assistance given. If an issue arises, you must address the problem in a timely manner. Communication is essential to successful teamwork! If areas of concern remain after needs have been communicated and thorough expectations have been given, the teacher and/or paraprofessional should bring the matter to the principal.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/teacher conferences may be scheduled before/after school or during planning time if no other meeting has been scheduled. Appointments for such conferences may be initiated by the parent or the teacher. It is a good idea to establish a relationship with parents early in the year. Although a conference with each parent would be beneficial, an individual conference is required for parents of potential retainees or at-risk students. The principal, assistant principal, lead teacher or counselor will gladly meet with the teacher and parent if an appointment is scheduled. Complaints and disagreements with parents are bound to happen on occasion. Problems/concerns can be solved if the relationship between teacher and parent is good and communication is open. Cooperating and consulting with other school personnel is necessary to achieve satisfactory student progress. Documentation of individual and/or phone conferences is to be kept for reference.
Conference Tips:
▪ Arrange a comfortable seating environment.
▪ Be honest and open in your communication.
▪ Always begin with a POSITIVE statement about the student.
▪ Be prepared to listen.
▪ Understand that teachers and parents see different kinds of behavior.
▪ Avoid comparing children.
▪ Focus on the child … “HOW CAN WE BEST WORK TOGETHER TO HELP YOUR CHILD?”
▪ Do not be negative or defensive.
▪ Do not criticize parents personally.
Be Prepared:
▪ Take time to reflect about child’s interests, needs, and actual work.
▪ Remember that you both have one basic goal.
▪ There may be legitimate, honest differences of opinion and judgment about how to handle specific situations when dealing with someone’s child.
▪ Do not consider a parent’s concern a personal attack.
▪ Do not get involved in an impromptu conference; especially if the parent is angry.
▪ Inform your principal of any concerns or POTENTIAL problems.
▪ Consider what attitudes and values may be involved.
▪ If the situation has been unpleasant or difficult in the past or you predict a conference to be challenging, have someone else present.
Afterward:
▪ If concern has not been resolved, try to seek an opportunity for another meeting with others present.
▪ Be willing to take ideas and think them over after the conference.
▪ If you make up a plan, set up another appointment to evaluate your progress.
▪ Seek specialized assistance when necessary.
▪ Keep a written record of each conference.
Personnel Evaluation
School board policy states that all system employees will be evaluated during the school term. Certified staff will be evaluated through the use of short, weekly “walk through” evaluations, the GTEP instrument and the GTDRI. “Walk through” evaluations will be performed by Mrs. Matthews and Mrs. Brown. Our System will implement TKES to 10% of each school’s faculty. Information will be given once System Level Personnel have collaborated. These short, weekly classroom visits will be a “snapshot” of the effective teaching strategies and classroom management tools used. These visits will end with a note left for the teacher to provide a summary of the observation. If questions or areas of concern are noted, the administrator will ask the teacher to come by for a conference to discuss the matter. This is a good time to discuss different techniques or present teacher concerns. “Walk through” evaluations provide an opportunity to strengthen weak areas BEFORE the formal evaluation is given. Responsibility for formal teacher evaluation will reside with the building principal. The principal will review, sign, and submit all Annual Evaluation Summary Reports to the district contact person responsible for the teacher evaluation. Some aspects of the evaluation process including observations of teaching, observation of performance of teacher duties and responsibilities, conferences, preparation of Summary Reports, and preparation of Professional Development Plans may be delegated to other leadership personnel such as the assistant principal and central office personnel. The school district is responsible for determining the appropriate evaluators for all teachers in the district and for ensuring that all evaluators for all teachers in the district have been trained.
Teacher evaluation is an integral component in the process of improving teaching and learning. An effective evaluation program results when teachers and evaluators are successful in using evaluations to reinforce effective practices and to improve teaching.
The purposes of the annual performance evaluation are to:
▪ Identify and reinforce effective teaching practices.
▪ Identify areas where staff development can improve instructional effectiveness.
▪ Identify teachers who do not meet the minimum standards so that appropriate action can be taken.
An orientation to the instrument will be given prior to the evaluation process for those unfamiliar with the GTEP. All instructors will receive a copy of the GTEP at the orientation. General Teacher Duties and Responsibilities will be given to each teacher at the beginning of the school term.
An overview of “walk through” and GTEP expectations will be given to ALL certified staff before these evaluations occur.
Planning Time
This designated time should be used wisely preparing for effective instructional practices. Designated meetings have been assigned to specific days during teacher’s planning times:
▪ Grade level teams must choose 1 day (minimum) per week to collaborate.
▪ Thursday of each week has been set aside for administrative meetings, coach meetings, or A3
Documentation
▪ Instructional paraprofessionals must plan weekly with supervising teacher.
Pledge of Allegiance
Each student at West Bainbridge Elementary shall be given the opportunity to Pledge Allegiance to the United States Flag during the morning TV program. The raising of the colors will be shared by students in 4th grade each morning. Participation and citizenship will be emphasized at WBE.
Promotion and Retention Policy
Promotion and Retention of Students
(1) Definitions
a) Accelerated instruction – challenging instructional activities that are intensely focused on student academic deficiencies in reading and/or mathematics. This accelerated instruction is designed to enable a student who has not achieved grade level, as defined by the Office of Education Accountability, to meet grade-level standards in the shortest possible time.
b) Additional instruction – academic instruction, offered beyond regularly scheduled academic classes, designed to bring students not performing on grade level, as defined by the Office of Education Accountability, to grade level performance. It may include more instructional time allocated during the school day, instruction through Extended Learning Time (after school, Saturday school or summer school) or inter-sessions.
c) Differentiated instruction – instructional strategies designed to meet individual student learning needs.
d) Grade level – standard of performance, as defined by the Office of Education Accountability, on a Criterion-Referenced Competency Test.
e) Placement – the assignment of a student to a specific grade level based on the determination that such placement will most likely provide the student with instruction and other services needed to succeed and progress to the next higher level of academic achievement.
f) Placement committee – the committee established by the local school principal or designee to make placement decisions concerning a student who does not meet expectations on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test. This committee shall be comprised of the principal or designee, the student’s parent/guardian, and the teacher in the content area(s) in which the student did not achieve grade level on the Criterion-Referenced competency Test.
g) Promotion – the assignment of a student to a higher grade level based on the student’s achievement of established criteria in the current grade.
h) Retention – the re-assignment of a student to the current grade level during the next school year.
(2) Promotion Standards and Criteria
(a) 1. The Decatur County School System shall assess each student's readiness for
first grade. Said readiness assessment shall include data obtained from multiple
sources including, but not limited to, GKIDS. Promotion shall also be based on the demonstration of successful performance in the reading and math programs.
2. Placement decisions shall be made on an individual basis. Written documentation of evidence that supports the individual retention decision shall be on file in the student's permanent record. The information obtained by GKIDS shall be used as part of the required written documentation. The student's parent/guardian shall be notified of the final placement decision. The Decatur County School System shall provide alternative, developmentally appropriate instruction to students who spend a second year in kindergarten. No student shall remain in kindergarten more than two years.
3. The following requirements shall be met:
a. All kindergarten students except those students exempted by criteria specified in their Individual Education Program shall be assessed using GKIDS.
b. Only certified teachers who are responsible for the entire class and who have been trained in the use of the GKIDS shall administer the assessment.
c. All children shall be administered the GKIDS Assessment according to the established state guidelines and procedures.
b) Students in grades 1 and 2 must have passing grades (yearly average) in reading and math;
and be performing on grade level in the reading and math programs.
(c) In grades 3-4, students must pass the reading and math CRCT; reading and math (on
grade-level material); and at least two out of the three academic subjects (English,
science, and social studies) for each grade.
(d) Students deficient in the requirements of this section shall be addressed by implementing
interventions, progress monitoring, acceleration, before/after school tutorial, and/or differentiated
instruction outlined in the remainder of this policy.
(f) A student cannot be retained more than twice in grades K-5 based on local policy. In
grades K-5 a student shall not be retained more than once in the same grade level,
and retention will not be made in consecutive grade levels.
(g) Exceptions to the above policies must be approved by a committee consisting of a
minimum of the principal, assistant principal, teacher and Assistant Superintendent for Elementary
Curriculum. Documentation concerning the outcome of the meeting must be placed in the
student's permanent record.
(3) Requirements for Grades 3, 5, and 8
(a) Promotion of a student shall be determined as follows:
1) No third grade student shall be promoted to the fourth grade if the student does not achieve grade level on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test in reading and meets promotion standards and criteria established in this policy for the school which the student attends.
2) No fifth grade student shall be promoted to the sixth grade if the student does not achieve grade level on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests in both reading and mathematics and meet promotion standards and criteria established in this policy for the school that the student attends.
3) No eighth grade student shall be promoted to the ninth grade if the student does not achieve grade level on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests in both reading and mathematics and meet promotion standards and criteria established in the policy for the school that the student attends.
4) Requirements in this section shall apply to students in the following grade levels:
I. The third grade beginning with the 2003-2004 school year.
II. *The fifth grade beginning with the 2004-2005 school year.
III. *The eight grade beginning with the 2005-2006 school year.
*Grades 5 and 8 will be covered by the same local promotion/retention guidelines as grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 until the effective date of the state requirements.
5) The school principal or designee may retain a student who performs satisfactorily on the Criterion-Referenced Test but who does not meet promotion standards and criteria established in this policy.
(b) When a student does not perform at grade level in grades 3, 5, or 8 on the Criterion- Referenced Competency Test(s) specified in section (a), then the following shall occur:
(1) Within ten calendar days, excluding weekends and holidays, of receipt of the Criterion-Referenced
Competency Test individual student scores, the school principal or designee shall notify in writing
by first-class mail the parent/guardian of the student regarding the following:
i. The student’s below-grade-level performance on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests;
ii. The specific retest(s) to be given to the student and the testing date(s);
iii. Opportunities for accelerated, differentiated, or additional instruction based on the student’s performance on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test; and
iv. The possibility that the student might be retained at the same grade level for the next school year.
(2) The student shall be given an opportunity for accelerated, differentiated, or
additional instruction in the applicable subject areas prior to the retesting
opportunity; and
(3) The student shall be retested with appropriate section(s) of the Criterion-
Referenced Competency Test(s) or an alternative assessment instrument that
is appropriate for the student’s grade level as provided for by the State Board
of Education and the Decatur County Board of Education.
(c) When a student does not perform at grade level on the Criterion-Referenced
Competency Test in grades 3, 5, or 8 and also does not perform at the grade level on a
second opportunity to take the assessment, then the following shall occur:
(1) The school principal or designee shall retain the student for the next school
year except as otherwise provided for in this policy.
(2) The school principal or designee shall notify in writing by first-class mail the
parent/guardian of the student and the teacher(s) regarding the decision to
retain the student.
i. The notice shall describe the option of the parent/guardian or teacher to appeal the decision to retain the student:
ii. The notice shall describe the composition and function of the placement committee; it may describe the option of the parent/guardian, teacher, or principal to invite individuals who can provide information or facilitate understanding of the issues to be discussed to attend the placement committee meeting; and
iii. The notice shall include the requirement that the decision to promote the student must be the unanimous decision of the placement committee comprised of the parent/guardian, teacher and principal or designee.
(3) If the parent/guardian or teacher(s) appeals the decision to retain the student,
then the school principal or designee shall establish a placement committee to
consider the appeal.
I. The placement committee shall be comprised of the principal or designee, the student’s parent/guardian, and the teacher of the subject(s) of the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test or the alternative assessment instrument on which the student failed to perform at grade level.
II. The principal or designee shall notify in writing by first-class mail the parent/guardian and teacher(s) of the time and place for convening the placement committee.
III. The placement committee shall review the overall academic achievement of the student in light of the performance on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test or the alternative assessment instrument and promotion standards and criteria established in the policy for the school that the student attends, and make a determination to promote or retain.
IV. The decision to promote must be the unanimous decision of the placement committee. Each member is entitled to one vote. The principal or designee has one vote: the teacher of the subject(s) failed has one vote and the parent has one vote. (Should parents disagree with each other on the placement decision, the parental vote will become a “yes” vote). The committee must determine that if promoted and given accelerated, differentiated, or additional instruction during the next year, the student is likely to perform at grade level by the conclusion of the school year.
V. The placement committee shall prescribe such additional assessments as may be appropriate in addition to assessments administered to other students at the grade level during the year.
VI. The placement committee shall provide for a plan of continuous assessment during the subsequent school year in order to monitor the progress of the student.
(4) A plan for accelerated, differentiated, or additional instruction must be
developed for each student who does not achieve grade level performance in
grades 3, 5, or 8 on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test(s) specified in
section (a) whether the student is retained, placed or promoted for the
subsequent year.
(5) A student who is absent or otherwise unable to take the Criterion-Referenced
Competency Test in reading and/or mathematics on the first administration or
its designated make-up day(s) shall take the Criterion-Referenced
Competency Test in reading and/or mathematics on the second administration
day(s) or an alternative assessment instrument that is appropriate for the
student’s grade level as provided for by the State Board of Education and the
Decatur County Board of Education. Placement or promotion of these students shall follow the same procedures as students who do not achieve grade level on the first administration of the assessment.
(6) A student’s failure to take the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test in
grades 3, 5, and 8 in reading and/or mathematics on any of the designated
testing date(s) or an alternative assessment instrument that is appropriate for
the student’s grade level as provided for by the State Board of Education and
the Decatur County Board of Education shall result in the student being
retained. The option of the parent/guardian or teacher(s) to appeal the
decision to retain the student shall follow the procedure set forth in this policy.
(7) For students receiving special education or related service, the Individualized
Education Plan Committee shall serve as the placement committee.
(8) The decision of the placement committee is final.
(4) Retention of Students for Athletic Purposes
1. No student shall be retained for athletic purposes in grades K-12.
2. If a school chooses to retain a student in a grade who has passing grades, the school shall document the educational reasons for the retention. Written documentation shall include all of the following information and shall be maintained in the student's permanent record.
a. A parent/guardian written request outlining the reason for requesting the retention and/or a school initiated written request with accompanying written approval of the request by the parent/guardian.
b. Statements from two professional sources from outside the school justifying the retention for educational reasons.
c. Approval of the retention request and justification of the retention for educational reasons by two teachers (other than athletic coach) who have taught the student, the principal and the Superintendent.
Publicity Committee
A Publicity Committee will function at our school to keep records of events and special activities. They will disseminate information about events at our school to the local paper, online news media, as well as our school website. Grade chairs will be the contact person at each grade level. Information should be sent to Mrs. Martin or Mrs. Ward.
Recess
Recess time should be no longer than 15 minutes and well supervised. No more than two classes should be on the playground at any one time. Staff members are not to sit and visit during this time, rather, spread selves across the playground to provide appropriate supervision. Radios for communication between administration, office staff, Nurse Parrish and teachers providing recess duty must be utilized. The grade level chairperson will be responsible for carrying the radio to and from the playground area each day.
A “hall key” will be available for entry into the locked building after recess. The grade-level chair person is responsible for picking up and returning the key. NO STUDENT MAY CARRY A RADIO OR KEY.
Repairs
Work orders are available from the bookkeeper, Susan Lynn, if repairs are needed in your room. The repair of broken windows, air conditioning, lights, etc., is to be requested in the office. See Mrs. Lynn for these needs.
School Hours
Teachers are required by board policy to be at school no later than 7:40 a.m. Staff members who have early morning duty (7:00 a.m. or 7:15 a.m.) must be signed in BEFORE the duty begins and in place at the designated time. All homeroom teachers must be signed in and physically in homeroom by 7:40 a.m. Many of the instructional preparation tasks of teachers may take place away from the school campus. Grading papers, planning, and extracurricular activities are a part of a teacher's duties. The regular school day for the student begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. Students late for class (after 8:00 a.m.) must be referred to the school office for a tardy slip except in instances of a late school bus, poor weather conditions, or situation declared by the administration as needed. Students should be dismissed promptly at the proper time. All students leaving the school before 3:15 p.m. must be checked out through the school office. Students requesting to ride a different bus must bring a note signed by a parent to the office by 9:00 a.m. on the school day for which the change is requested.
School Social Worker/Pre K Coordinator
Our school social worker, Debra Freeman, will assist in investigating student absences and any student suspected of attending school while living outside our district. Appropriate forms should be filled out and returned to the Counselor, Mrs. Ingram, to report attendance infractions, including habitual tardies or early dismissals. Teachers must take the initiative to contact parents about attendance problems which are interfering with their child's progress in school. Unexcused absences are reported by the teacher to the principal at day 3 and tardies at day 5. All absences are reported at 5 days.
School Supplies for Teachers
Supplies required by our instructional program may be requested by teachers through the school secretary, Mrs. Peacock.
School Wide Testing
Each teacher is responsible for the proper administration of the tests assigned to that grade level. Exam manuals included with the test material give specific directions for its administration and should be strictly adhered. The testing program is intended to be used to accurately identify the strengths and weaknesses of our students. The results of these tests are to be used by teachers to help meet the individual needs of our students. Testing data will be discussed and utilized each nine weeks.
Science Lab
WBE offers an innovative and hands-on Science Lab, located in room # 502. Science teachers are expected to utilize the equipment and/or lab no less than 2 times per month. A sign-up sheet is posted on the Science Lab door.
Signing In/Out Daily
All employees are required to sign-in upon arrival each day. Employees are also required to sign-out when leaving during the day and/or after school. The time written by certified personnel must accurately reflect the time you sign in/out as reflected on the clock in the school’s office. Classified personnel (paraprofessionals, clerical, etc.) must reflect an eight hour work schedule as assigned.
Staff Children
Children of WBE staff members must be supervised at all times. If your child comes to school with you, they may sit quietly in your classroom until the 7:40 bell rings for class. If you have a duty, your child must report to the appropriate designated area for all students waiting for school to begin. All staff children will be dismissed with bus riders at the designated time. They will be assigned a waiting area until staff members are off-duty, at which time staff members will pick up their child.
Student Assistance Program
West Bainbridge Elementary is aware of the many pressures which students must contend with as they grow up, both from their environment and from their peers. The Student Assistance Program at WBE helps identify strategies we may use to help children become better students. Incorporated in our school is a prevention curriculum for elementary age students which include Good Touch Bad Touch and individual and group counseling. We want our students to grow up drug and alcohol free. We promote a “no responsible use message” for children and adolescents. We will also attempt to serve in the area of intervention by educating students and parents of the resources available to them for help and assistance.
Student Handbook
Teachers are to be familiar with all information in the Student/Parent Handbook. Teachers are required to spend significant time the first week of school establishing an understanding of the information in the handbook. Students will share the handbook with their parents and a signed document will be returned to the teacher to be placed on file.
Student Support Team (SST)
The SST is chaired by the school counselor, Mrs. Ingram, and functions to provide students with the necessary support to succeed in school. The homeroom teacher is responsible for completing all SST folders with the assistance of each academic teacher who presently provides instruction to the student. Teachers refer students to SST who demonstrate academic or behavioral concerns. The SST process recommends appropriate modifications for teachers to implement to help the student succeed in school. All SST information must be documented in A3.
Student Withdrawal Procedures
▪ Withdrawal Forms will be given to the homeroom teacher once a student has officially withdrawn.
▪ Each teacher will complete appropriate sections of the Withdrawal Form within 2 days.
▪ Individual grades, not averages, must be listed. Grades may be averaged only at the end of a nine week grading period.
▪ Each teacher must sign off in the appropriate space after information has been given.
▪ It is the responsibility of the homeroom teacher to ensure that the Withdrawal Form is filled out completely before being turned in – remember to include Enrichment teachers!
▪ Carefully review the list of items to be turned in to the office. All such items must be turned in along with the Withdrawal Form to Mrs. Brown.
▪ Adhere to the Reading, Math, and Writing Folder guidelines. Check to ensure that all folders follow the specified requirements.
▪ 2 days will be given to complete the forms and return to Mrs. Brown. All records should reach the new school within 5 days. A due date will be listed on the Withdrawal Form.
Students with Special Needs
Regular education and special education teachers should meet regularly to discuss curriculum. Special education teachers will supply information regarding accommodations to all teachers providing instruction to special education students. The counselor will provide information regarding accommodations for those students who have been given a 504 Plan. In addition to the documentation, the special education teacher must meet with the appropriate regular education teachers to thoroughly explain teaching procedures and testing accommodations.
Supply Room
Supplies are purchased with school funds; therefore, careful inventory control is necessary. Check your closets closely before ordering more supplies so as not to duplicate materials. Teachers may request supplies through the school secretary, Mrs. Peacock at least one day in advance. Your requested supplies will be placed in your box or brought to your room. Any and all supplies or materials are to be catalogued as they are requested and checked out.
Teacher of the Year
Selection Guidelines for Decatur County Schools’ TOTY
The candidate for Teacher of the Year should be:
• A certified classroom teacher in public pre-kindergarten through grade 12, including special education, physical education, art, music, and media specialists. (Counselors are not eligible.)
• An exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled teacher who is planning to continue in active teaching status.
• A teacher who inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn.
• A teacher who has the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues.
• A teacher who plays an active and useful role in the community as well as in the school.
• A teacher who is poised and articulate and possesses the energy to withstand a taxing schedule.
• A teacher who has one year experience in Decatur County School System.
Individual School’s Teacher of the Year Selection Process:
• A teacher may succeed themselves as either school or system TOTY.
• Certified personnel should cast their votes secretly in their own school. The counselor will serve as School TOTY Committee Chairman and the committee chosen from each school shall count the votes.
• The school committee discussion shall be confidential.
• The top three names shall be reviewed by the school committee in order to make their recommendation to the Principal.
School TOTY Committees should be composed of the following: (Staff members for the committee should have at least two years experience at their respective school)
Elementary Schools:
• One counselor
• One teacher from grades PK – 3
• One teacher from grades 4 -5
• One school council member
• One former Teacher of the Year
Total Committee Members: 5
Middle Schools:
• One counselor
• One teacher from each grade: 6, 7, and 8
• One exploratory teacher
• One school council member
• One former Teacher of the Year
Total Committee Members: 7
Bainbridge High School
• One counselor
• Two teachers from different Academic areas
• One teacher from “other than” academic area”
• One teacher “At Large” (i.e., any area)
• One school council member
• One former Teacher of the Year
Total Committee Members: 7
Teacher Workrooms
Teachers are encouraged to use the teacher workroom during planning time if necessary. The Ellison Machine and paper cutter may be utilized in these locations. Faculty/staff are welcome to enjoy their lunch in this area as well. Remember to clean your eating area before leaving the workroom – food and trash should be placed in the trashcan and eating area should be wiped clean. Please remember that coffee and soft drinks should not be taken to the classroom when students are present. FACULTY/STAFF ARE NOT TO STAND IN HALLWAYS OR DUTY LOCATIONS WITH COFFEE/SOFT DRINKS IN HAND.
Technology
Technology is an important aspect of the curriculum at WBE. We are fortunate to provide students with two computer labs, all instructional classrooms equipped with computer stations, and fourteen classrooms operational with computer interactive projectors. Lesson plans should include the use of technology.
▪ All technology service requests must be completed online. The web site is tech. It is also available from our home page under technology. We will no longer accept service requests sent in by email, or verbal requests. This service request can be sent from any computer within the system.
▪ All fields are required. You must enter your complete email address including @. In addition, a detailed description of the problem must be included. We must have more than “It does not work”.
▪ This online form will allow us to track calls, equipment and parts better.
▪ From time to time an emergency will need a quick response. You can place a call to notify us of this situation and to watch for the service request. However, you must still submit a service request before we can proceed.
Telephone
Telephones are for official school business. Students may not use telephones except by note from the teacher requesting such and then only in an emergency. Teachers have access to phones in both workrooms. Office personnel will take messages for teachers only in emergency situations. Personal information concerning appointments should be directed to your home phone number. Cell phones or pagers are not allowed except by permission of the principal and then will be allowed only in private areas (workrooms, offices) without students present. Cell phones at school should never be used in the presence of students or parents.
Tobacco-Free School Zone
The building and campus of WBE is a tobacco-free environment in accordance with Decatur County School Board Policy. The use of any tobacco product on our school campus is prohibited at all times.
Visitors
Security requires that any visitor to our campus (including visitors of a school employee) come by the school office for a visitor's pass. Parents are welcome at our school, but be reminded that an appointment must be made with the teacher before a parent/teacher conference occurs. Do not participate in an unscheduled conference during instructional time. Any visitor without an office pass should be reported to the school office. Each teacher should assume the responsibility of reporting such immediately. With administrative permission, a parent may observe a classroom for a short period of time. However, our school makes no provisions for visitors such as smaller brothers or sisters, cousins, etc., of students; therefore, younger siblings will not be allowed to accompany parents during a classroom observation.
Xerox Procedures
Teachers may request items to be xeroxed by completing the appropriate form. Items to be copied should be placed in a folder with teacher’s name and/or grade level indicated. Information needed on items to be copied include: name of teacher, date folder is placed in copying box, and number of copies needed. Materials should be placed in the duplicating center a minimum of 1 day prior to date needed. The completed copies will be placed in the teacher’s supply box located in the workroom. To provide a more effective and efficient service, 2 paraprofessionals will be assigned the task of xeroxing materials throughout the school day. These assigned personnel, along with office staff, are the ONLY employees authorized to use the Xerox machine. K-2 teachers will place needed Xerox items in the K-2 workroom and 3-4 teachers will place needed Xerox items in the 3-4 workroom. A running tally will be maintained for the amount of work duplicated by the machine. The Xerox machine located in the office is available for 5 copies or less.
[pic][pic]
January |
February |
March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
August |
September |
October |
November |
December | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
5th
D. Martin |
11th
Hunter |
9th
Barthel |
5th
Jones |
1st
Harris |
4th
Gibson |
19th
Barber |
6th
McDonald |
3rd
Davis |
5th
L. Thomas |
1st
Jackson |
2nd
Rogers | |
7th
Peacock |
20th
Sapp |
10th
Earp |
7th
Gordon
Hand |
5th
Ward |
18th
McBride |
22nd
Lynn |
13th
K. Smith |
5th
Stubbs |
15th
Leon |
9th
N. Jordan |
6th
Howard | |
8th
Parramore |
22nd
Roberts |
11th
Miller |
12th
Lyle |
18th
Tatum |
22nd
Duncan |
25th
Conder |
17th
Watts |
12th
Strickland |
26th
Haywood |
11th
T. Clark |
13th
Brown
| |
15th
Simmons
|
24th
Ezell |
19th
Cecil |
28th
Butler |
25th
M. Clark |
25th
V. Mathews |
28th
Landeen |
22nd
Johnson |
24th
Gardner
|
27th
Chandler |
15th
Middleton |
14th
Brock | |
25th
C. Smith | |
21st
Godby | |
27th
P. Jordan | |
31st
A. Matthews |
25th
Chapman |
25th
Ingram | |
20th
Dixon |
19th
Ross | |
30th
R. Burke/Wilson | |
29th
Payne | |
| | |
26th
Troy Thomas | | |
21st
Granados |
21st
Hall | |
31st
N. Martin | |
31st
Footman | | | | |
29th
Anvar
| |
|
29th
Parrish |
22nd
Black | | | | | | | | |
31st
Maxwell | | | |30th
Culverson/W. Martin | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
[pic]
The following acknowledgments are to serve as record that the West Bainbridge Elementary School 2013 – 2014 Teacher Handbook has been reviewed and the policies and procedures of our school are understood by all faculty and staff.
We have reviewed, understand, and will abide by, all policies and procedures listed within the 2013 - 2014 West Bainbridge Elementary School Teacher Handbook.
_________________________________ ____________________
Faculty / Staff Signature Date[pic]
-----------------------
Cooling Season Occupied Set Points 1: 74 degrees Fahrenheit – 78 degrees Fahrenheit
(Unoccupied Set Point: 85 degrees Fahrenheit)
Heating Season Occupied Set Points 1: 68 degrees
Fahrenheit – 72 degrees Fahrenheit
(Unoccupied Set Point: 85 degrees Fahrenheit)
Fred H. Rayfield, Ed.D.
Superintendent
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENTS
Suzi Bonifay, Ed.D.
April Aldridge, Ed.D.
Linda Lumpkin, Ed.D.
BOARD MEMBERS
Dr. Sydney Cochran, Chairman
Jacky Grubbs, Vice-Chairman
Bobby Barber
Kelvin Bouie
Randall Jones
Winston Rollins
-----------------------
1
................
................
In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.
To fulfill the demand for quickly locating and searching documents.
It is intelligent file search solution for home and business.
Related searches
- 2004 f150 5.4 belt diagram
- 2004 facts and events
- 2004 ford 4.6 engine problems
- 2004 f 150 engine problems
- 2004 ford f 150 problems
- 2003 events and facts
- ford f150 2004 engine problems
- 2004 ford 4 6 engine problems
- 2004 f150 5 4 crate engine
- 2004 ford 4 0 engine diagram
- 2004 f150 5 4 belt diagram
- 2004 f150 5 4 engine