The purpose of this handbook
is to supplement the Palm Beach County School District Policies, Regulations
and Procedures and to outline policies and practices that are peculiar to
our school. It is hoped that in the interest of good organization and understanding
among personnel members, this handbook will be studied carefully, placed in
a convenient place for use by the substitute teacher, and referenced as often
as possible. Updates of weekly bulletins and faculty meeting agendas must
be added for reference. This handbook will be collected at the end of the
year for updating.
GENERAL
INFORMATION
School Hours Instructional Personnel 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. / 8:00 a.m. -4:00
p.m.
5 - 8 hour Employees 7: 00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. as determined by Principal
Students: 8:00 a.m. - 2:07 p.m.
Terms
of Employment
Salary:
Established by School Board Policy Duty Days: See school calendar which is
included
ABSENCES
STAFF ABSENCES
A. Personal Leave Personal leave is charged against accrued sick leave, provided
that such leave be non-cumulative.
1. Except in extenuating circumstances, teachers are to request leave for
personal reasons 48 hours in advance.
2. Personal leave shall not be made for any day immediately preceding or following
a holiday, except in emergencies.
3. Complete a PERSONAL LEAVE REQUEST FORM (TDE) which is available in the
office before your leave or immediately upon your return (if absent without
notice).
B. Sick Leave Sick leave is charged
against accrued sick leave.
1. All personnel with pin numbers are to call the district's computerized
system no later than 5:00 a.m. of the day that they do not report to school.
2. All personnel without pin numbers should call the school no later than
7:20 a.m. of the day that they do not report to work.
3. All teachers must leave appropriate lesson plans for any classes that they
will miss.
C. Jury Duty
If an employee is under subpoena for jury duty during the time he/she is engaged
in regular professional duties, he/she may make application for temporary
duty elsewhere. He/she shall receive regular pay while on jury duty and shall
remit to the Finance Department in check or money order the amount of fees,
less travel allowance and other expense allowances, received during jury duty.
STUDENT ABSENCES
A. Students are required to be in school each day unless illness or some other
important event prevents attendance.
B. Excused absences, as directed by the State Department of Education, include
the following:
a. illness of the child
b. serious illness or death in the family
c. need to report to juvenile court
d. medical or dental appointment.
C. Upon returning to school, the student should provide the teacher with a
written excuse from the parent or guardian indicating the specific reason
for the absence. These excuses are to be kept on file by the classroom teacher
until the end of the year.
D. If written excuse arrives
late (after the student has returned to class), please indicate change directly
on the attendance sheet. The data processor will make necessary corrections.
E. Attendance must be taken daily,
and those students who are absent or tardy must be reported in ink on the
classroom attendance roster provided by the office.
F. Teachers are required to record
daily absences (excused and unexcused) and tardies in their roll book.
G. After three (3) days of absences,
the teacher must make contact with the parent or guardian to find out how
long and why the child is absent. Arrangements should also be made to make-up
schoolwork. If language is a barrier, it is the teacher's responsibility to
contact a language facilitator to assist in contacting the parent.
H. If seven (7) absences or tardies
are accumulated, the student's name should be reported to the office. A letter
will be sent home to express our concern of a child's frequent absence or
lateness. The teacher must request this letter from administration or the
attendance clerk.
I. A Classroom Attendance Report
is provided at the end of each marking period and indicates the total number
of days present for each student for the marking period. It is the teacher's
responsibility to file this report from each marking period until the end
of the year. Use each report to calculate the total days present and absent
for the entire school year.
J. Students may be excused from
school during the school day for a doctor or dentist appointment or for some
other legitimate reason. Should such an absence become necessary, the parents
must request it in writing and must sign the checkout book in the office when
they come to pick up the child. Do not send the student to wait in the office.
We will call for the student when the parent arrives.
K. Explanation of daily attendance
and first week entry procedures will be covered pre-school week in a separate
hand out.
ACCIDENTS
Employee Accidents If you are injured on the job and require medical treatment,
please take the following steps: ·
Life threatening injuries-call the main office for someone to dial 911. The
ambulance personnel will determine where to take the patient for care depending
on the nature of the injuries. ·
All other injuries-must be reported to the main office and a report completed
immediately.
A Worker's Compensation Form,
available in the office, should be completed and taken with you to the doctor
authorized by the school board (see Appendix).
Any employee who has missed more than one day of work because of an injury
is to:
1. Bring a written report from the treating physician.
2. Obtain a release to return to work. 3. Deliver the release to the principal.
Worker's Compensation is not to be used for employee medical care except for
work injuries.
Employees who happen to be at
work when they become ill should be referred to their personal physician.
Vigilance on the part of the entire staff is the key step to maintaining safety.
Immediately report any safety concerns to the Administrator charge of the
Safety Committee.
Student Accidents The Student
Accident Report Form is to be completed whenever a student is injured on School
Board property or away from school property if the student is being supervised
or transported by school board employees or volunteers. Minor injuries are
to be reported whether or not the child requires treatment from a physician
or hospital. The accident report must be completed and filed by the end of
that school day.
Accident report forms are available
in the office (see Appendix ). All accidents reported by non-instructional
employees must be verbally explained to the homeroom teacher by the reporter
of record.
BLOODBORNE
PATHOGENS
All staff members must be knowledgeable of the Bloodborne Pathogens policy.
Specific training is required for staff members who may come in contact with
bloodborne pathogens during the course of the duty day. All teachers have
rubber gloves in their classroom for potential use. Read carefully the following
information: Body fluids of all person should be considered to contain potentially
infectious agents. Body fluids include: blood, semen, vaginal secretions,
drainage from scrapes and cuts, feces, urine, vomitus, respiratory secretions,
and saliva. Disposable gloves should be used whenever direct hand contact
with bodily fluids is anticipated. Upon removal, the gloves should be discarded
in a plastic bag and the hands should be washed. Hand washing procedure should
include vigorous washing with soap and running water from 10 seconds to a
full minute.
BUSINESS
ON SCHOOL TIME
No employee of the School Board may conduct personal business on school time,
except for emergency reasons approved by the Administration. School Board
equipment or supplies shall not be used to conduct personal business or any
other activity not connected with the school system.
CALENDAR
EVENTS - MASTER
To request an event complete a Master Calendar Events form (see Appendix).
The master calendar will be reviewed and the form will be returned to the
event sponsor indicating approval or change needed.
CAFETERIA
PROCEDURES
Adults Lunch - 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. ($1.95 per day)
Adult Choices ·
Choice of main dish or deli sandwich
Unlimited choices of vegetables, fruits, salad bar items in staff area.
No charges When a definite need for free lunch is noticed, a report should
be made to the office.
Obvious changes in the welfare
of children on free lunch should be noted and reported to the principal or
assistant principal.
Students Breakfast - 7:15-7:55 a.m.
Lunch 10:00 a.m.-12:45 p.m. ($1.25 per day)
Student Choices
One main dish, one vegetable, one fruit, and one beverage.
Menu changes will be announced in the morning.
Arrange your lunch line by food choices.
Have a student leader for each choice group who can announce the number when
they are ready to be served.
Groups:
1. home lunches (straight to assigned tables)
2. home lunches who buy milk or juice
3. District lunch choice
4. School lunch choice Please teach your students to wait patiently, say their
choices of vegetable and fruit clearly, and have their money ready and to
respect the cafeteria personnel.
Dish Room
a) Children should bring their trays and trash to the dish room counter in
a single file.
b) Place the forks and spoons in the pan of soapy water.
c) Do not overload the dish room counter.
Please be patient and treat the
cafeteria staff members with respect.
Cafeteria Citizenship Plan -
Teach the plan to your students
Share ideas with your team members.
Non-Instructional employees assigned to cafeteria duty supervise students
upon their arrival and dismissal.
Pre-Paid Lunch
NO CHARGES. Children who do not have lunch money on a given day will be served
a sandwich, white milk and fruit.
Weekly lunch can be pre-paid only on Monday or Tuesday mornings from 7:50-8:10
a.m.
CAFETERIA
RULES
A. During lunch we will remember to:
1. Walk in the hallway and cafeteria
2. Use a low voice while talking with your neighbor
3. Sit with feet on the floor and face front
4. Use good table manners
5. Keep seated until given permission to leave the table
6. Clean up own area - table, chair, floor
7. Place tray and trash correctly on counter. Please place fork and spoon
in the soapy water.
8. Line up quietly
B. Consequences for disregard
of rules:
1st time: Reminder - Warning
2nd time: Move child to a silent table
3rd time: Child misses out on a classroom reward
4th time: Send a form letter home (see Appendix)
5th time: Conference with an administrator
C. Positive Consequences for
observance of rules:
1. Special awards are available from the office for any children designated
as good cafeteria citizens (awards to be determined).
2. A cafeteria awards program will be implemented.
3. Special desert once a month for classes or tables as designated by their
teacher.
4. Any other award or recognition that the teacher feels is appropriate.
Management ideas you may like
to consider:
1. Provide restroom and drink breaks before or after lunch. While emergencies
are always exceptions, students will not be permitted to use the restroom
during lunch.
2. Arrange the children according to main dish orders.
3. Select a host for each table. Select table washers and floor sweepers for
each table.
4. Select topics of conversation for the day.
5. Think of creative ways of teaching rules; discuss the reason for each rule;
use social studies period "Social Living In Large Groups".
6. Arrange a tour of the kitchen.
7. Invite the cafeteria manager to your class to explain the duties of each
employee; teach respect for the work of the custodial and cafeteria staff.
8. Dismiss one table or one side of the row at a time.
9. Think about seating arrangements.
10. Plan to repeat lessons in cafeteria rules often.
11. Discuss cafeteria citizenship at team meetings.
12. Include cafeteria behavior when marking report cards; discuss what heading
this would come under; show the children; write it on the board.
CITIZENSHIP
PLAN
1. Student discipline and citizenship is every staff member's responsibility.
2. Teachers establish class rules, positive and negative consequences through
discussions and logical reasoning with students. Non-Instructional staff members
will work to support the established classroom rules of the classes assigned.
3. Use a variety of methods to teach the rules.
4. Teachers provide the assistant principal with their classroom discipline
plan (rules, consequences, rewards) by the 3rd Friday of the school year.
5. Before sending the child to the office with a discipline referral form,
please follow these procedures:
a. pupil-teacher conference
b. "In-classroom" suspension
c. parent contact (phone call, letter, conference)
6. If the child cannot solve his/her problem with this support, send the student
and a discipline referral form to the administration.
7. Student Discipline Referral -
Appendix Cafeteria Rules
A. Show manners at all times
1. Be courteous to cafeteria workers and adults on duty.
2. No playing with food (no throwing food)
B. Be prepared
1. Have money ready if necessary
2. Know your lunch choices
C. Talk quietly (only to the
children at your table)
D. Keep cafeteria clean E.
Dismiss in an orderly manner
1. Stay in line while emptying trays
2. Stack trays neatly
3. Keep tray room clean (especially the floor)
Hallway Rules
A. Walk in an orderly line on the right hand side.
B. Listen to all adults and patrols.
C. Hallways need to be silent.
D. Keep the campus clean.
1. Put all garbage in the garbage cans.
2. Clean off your shoes before entering the classrooms.
Playground Rules (also see playground
section)
A. Follow safety rules at all times. All employees with students at the playground
must maintain supervision at all times.
B. Use equipment properly and only with teacher supervision.
C. Show good sportsmanship (no name calling, cursing, teasing or pouting).
D. Equipment Usage
E. Climbing apparatus are for climbing up only. Use handrails and do not climb
down.
F. Slide sitting down only. Go feet first on you bottom and one at a time
with feet up off the sliding board. Land on both feet. Do not walk up the
slide.
G. One person at a time on the horizontal ladders. Do no kick your feet -
keep them under you. Use two hands at all times. If losing your grip, let
go and land on two feet.
H. Use caution at all times. Do not stick hands and feet into equipment. Do
not go under the playground structure at any time.
I. Use stairs/steps to enter equipment. Do not jump from equipment
Computer Rules - Classroom and
Lab
A. Follow directions first time given.
B. Work quietly (talk in a whisper to your partner only).
C. Handle computer equipment and materials with care.
Bike Rules
A. Obey all applicable traffic rules.
B. Comply with the helmet law.
C. Lock all bikes inside bike rack.
Bus Rules
A. Keep off the roadway while waiting for the bus.
B. Keep seated when the bus is in motion.
C. Keep arms and heads inside the bus at all times.
D. No unnecessary conversation with the driver.
E. Obey the bus driver.
F. Pupils may be assigned to certain seats if necessary.
G. Eating and drinking are absolutely forbidden.
H. Pupils must be on time.
I. Students must get on and off at their assigned stop and may not ride a
bus on which they were not scheduled.
Reminders
A. Classroom behavior must allow for the teaching-learning process to proceed
without disruptions.
B. The highest respect for human dignity will be shown at all times.
C. Please avoid the following:
putting your hands on students except a pat on the shoulders, a shake of the
hand or a one armed hug;
detaining a student as punishment or to finish class work from an enrichment
or support program (physical education, music, art, speech, exceptional student
education);
writing repetitive sentences as a form of punishment.
D. Please implement the following:
Establish rules with your class and use a variety of methods in teaching the
rules to the children. Þ Detention should not be used without prior parent
approval. Detention should not exceed one hour and arrangements for bus riding
children must be pre-arranged.
CITIZENSHIP
- Student
1. Walk quietly at all times so not to disturb classes in session.
2. Eating candy or any food items will not be permitted except in cafeteria
or with the teacher's permission.
3. Students must have a hall pass when leaving the classroom.
4. Students will not chew gum.
5. Students will not wear hats indoors.
CLINIC
1. The school's clinic is staffed by a nurse provided by the Health Care District.
2. Each student will have an emergency information card on file in the clinic
which will provide up-to-date emergency information. This information will
include name of family physician and written authorization for emergency hospital
care. Any changes in information should be reported to the office.
3. If a student becomes injured or ill during the school day, fill out a clinic
pass and send the child to the clinic.
4. No child will be admitted to the clinic without a pass, except in an emergency
situation. 5. Use sound judgment to determine if a student really needs the
services of the clinic. Some students are chronic complainers and are frequently
sent to the clinic unnecessarily. Simply sending the student to the clinic
for a Band-Aid or to wash their hands is not necessary. A teacher should be
reasonably sure that a student's trip to the clinic is required.
6. It is generally not necessary for the teacher to accompany the students
to the clinic. It is not necessary for teachers to remain in the clinic with
the student. Send the student to the clinic with your aide or accompanied
by another student.
7. If it is necessary to send a student home, the clinic personnel will notify
the parents. Staff members, including teacher assistants, should not contact
the parents unless requested to do so by clinic personnel.
8. Each teacher is to list the names of "High Risk" cases in the front of
the plan book. The school nurse will provide this information. Student Medication
School personnel do not normally dispense medication. However, if a child
is required to take any type of medication at school the following must be
met: "Physician's Authorization for Medication" form (PPS1174) must be completed
by the doctor and the parent. Forms are available in the school office and
from the physician. Medication must be in the original container with the
labeled prescription. Parents must submit the form and medication to the office.
TEACHERS DO NOT DISPENSE MEDICATION. This includes cough drops and aspirin.
CODE
OF ETHICS OF THE EDUCATION PROFESSION FLORIDA
We are all bound by this code, please read the pamphlet included in this handbook.
COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS - D-8.143 See attachment.
CREDIT
UNION
A. The Gold Coast Federal Educational Credit Union has more than one location.
All school employees are eligible to use its services.
B. Employees may arrange to have funds withheld from paychecks regularly for
the purpose of making payments on a Credit Union loan or for paying into a
savings account.
CUMULATIVE
FOLDERS
A. Check your cum folders against your class roll-make sure you have one for
each student. Start one if you have not received one from the previous school.
This process begins during pre-school.
B. Complete and arrange according to Checklist of Cumulative Data. If you
are working with an old cum from another school, get copies of the checklist
from the front office. The new cum has the checklist printed on the outside.
Every cum needs a checklist printed on the outside.
C. Take the records apart from other school systems and arrange according
to Checklist of Cumulative Data. (See Appendix )
D. If the cum folder is not completed as required, notify the assistant principal.
DAILY
RESPONSIBILITIES
Teachers
1. Arrival time: 7:30 a.m.
2. Please be in your classroom at 7:45 a.m. Greet your students at the door.
3. Check the mailbox and the school calendar twice daily. (Not during student
contact time).
4. Prepare the class for opening exercises which are held each morning. If
saying the Pledge interferes with religious beliefs, the student can be expected
to maintain silence. No student is to leave the classroom during opening exercises.
5. Maintain a current lesson plan book and grade book, also submit classroom
discipline plan to assistant principal by the 3rd Friday of school.
6. Take the attendance each morning.
7. Plan strategies and activities consistent with School Improvement Plan.
Plans must reflect district grade level expectations and Sunshine State Standards.
8. When it becomes necessary to leave campus prior to the end of the workday,
staff members need to sign the OFF-CAMPUS SIGN OUT LOG. This is available
in the office from the secretary. The principal must approve permission for
early dismissal in advance. 9. Teachers are expected to adhere to all deadlines
set by the administration.
10. Teachers are expected to be thoroughly familiar with and enforce the rules
stated in the Student and Parent Handbook.
11. The physical environment of the classroom is important to learning.
12. It is the teacher's responsibility to see that the classroom is kept neat
and orderly. As part of an established routine at the end-of-day, teachers
should see that students pick up paper and crayons from the floor, clean out
desks and cubby-holes, put materials away properly, and keep tables and desk
tops clean.
13. Classroom doors are to be locked at all times during the day when the
classroom is not in use. Before leaving for the day, teachers are to turn
off the air conditioner or heater, close all windows, lower blinds to window
sill level, lock the doors and turn off the lights.
14. Turn off lights when you are out of the classroom for more than seven
minutes.
15. The public address system provides a call button in many classrooms for
contacting the office. Use only for emergency situations and not for routine
information.
16. Teachers are expected to know where their students are at all times.
17. Students are to be supervised at all times.
18. A teacher is liable for any student left unattended.
19. Unless a student is with an adult, no student is to be in the hallways
without a Hall Pass. This includes going to the restroom, media center, office
or another classroom, etc. 20. All members of the staff are responsible for
total school behavior and no one should hesitate to correct any student at
any time.
21. Grades are to be recorded in the roll book for each subject area to substantiate
the grade given on the students' report cards. A date that the grade was given
should be indicated and not simply a listing of grades. Also, include description
of the assignment. Please note that there should be at least ten grades per
trimester for each report card grade given.
22. There will be no changes in scheduling unless first approved by the principal.
23. Teachers are expected to sit with their class at all school programs or
performances and are responsible for the behavior of all students.
24. With the exception of planned socials, hot beverages are limited to the
faculty lounge and cafeteria only.
25. Children whose parents teach or aide in the school must abide by the same
policies as set forth for other students.
26. The faculty lounge and soft drink machine are off-limits to students.
27. Emergency information for each teacher is kept on file in the office.
28. Teachers are to notify the office of information changes during the year.
29. Teachers are requested to participate in at least two school committees.
30. Make sure that nothing in your classroom blocks the egress or emergency
escape windows. No flammable decorations or materials should be hung on the
windows.
31. All fire pull stations and electrical box doors must be clear and visible
at all times.
32. Do not cover the door windows.
33. If you hang a line in your classroom it must be higher than your door.
34. Comply with money collection procedures.
35. Return all parent calls within 24 hours of receipt of message.
DISMISSAL
PROCEDURES
Teachers are responsible for knowing how each student goes home.
Record this information in your grade or plan book (include bus numbers).
All students will be dismissed via the public address system.
Do not release students until they are called for by the office staff. Students
do not deviate from daily dismissal procedures UNLESS WRITTEN PARENTAL AUTHORIZATION
IS RECEIVED.
Seek office assistance in the morning if there is a question regarding afternoon
dismissal. The office staff must release any student that is to be dismissed
early.
Do not release students to parents at your classroom door.
Parents MUST sign in and out of the office.
No students will be dismissed early between 1:30 and 2:04 P.M.
Students who are leaving school late because of participation in clubs, student
council, etc., must have a signed official permission form.
The sponsoring teacher must:
a. keep the permission slip on file
b. ensure that transportation home is indicated on the permission slip
c. provide notice that crossing guard is not on duty after hours
d. remain with the students until the last child is picked up All teachers
not assigned to a duty during the dismissal period should be standing in their
doorway monitoring the hallways.
All non-instructional staff assigned
to a dismissal duty must be in place at the assigned location and time. Any
non-instructional employee not assigned a dismissal duty must report to the
assistant principal during dismissal.
DRESS
CODE
A. Faculty and Staff
1. The appearance of all staff members should be a credit to the profession.
2. Research clearly indicates that the teacher's manner of dress has a significant
impact on the school climate as well as the student's attitude and performance
at school.
Students will behave in a manner
that shows more respect for the teacher who is dressed professionally than
for those who are not.
Fridays are School Spirit Days
when casual blue and yellow attire can be worn.
Staff members should not wear clothing or shoes that are not permitted of
students---We provide the example.
EMERGENCY
CARDS
Staff - All staff are to complete emergency cards and keep current address
and phone numbers on file.
Student - It is absolutely crucial
that parents complete an emergency card for each student with current phone
numbers and emergency contacts.
These cards will be housed in
the clinic and should be updated when any changes occur.
EVALUATION
Instructional and Non-Instructional All staff members will be evaluated annually
on the form provided by the District.
FACULTY/STAFF
MEETINGS
A. All meetings will be scheduled. All family and other meetings will be indicated
on the school calendar in the front office.
B. Teachers are required to attend and are expected to report on time.
C. Teachers should not schedule parent conferences or other meetings on faculty
meeting days.
D. Additionally, separate non-instructional staff meetings will be regularly
scheduled by the administration.
FIELD
TRIPS
A. Good practice in planning field trip experiences include: ðdetermining
that the experience has educational value and contributes to curriculum objectives
in the students course of study; ðproviding appropriate pre-experience activities
to prepare students to understand the purpose and receive maximum benefit
from the experience; ðpreviewing and/or becoming aware of situations, programs
and materials to assure that the experience has merit for particular age/grade
groups; ðproviding follow-up instruction, activities and discussions to culminate
field trips and other programs; ðbeing sure that adequate numbers of adults
provide proper student supervision.
B. Complete Field Trip Request Form (Appendix).
C. It is very important that each Field Trip Request is completely filled
out. Submit completed form to the Assistant Principal for approval and transportation
request.
D. Transportation for field trips is provided by Palm Beach County school
bus. A 15-day notice is required. Load capacity - 65 - three children to a
seat, two adults to a seat. There are 22 seats on a bus. Bus rental time -
9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The bus must be back at South Grade Elementary by 1:30
p.m. in order to make afternoon routes.
E. The bookkeeper will give each teacher a Monies Collected Form. The teacher
will collect the money from each child keeping a record on the Monies Collected
Form of the amount paid by each child by name.
F. Give the Monies Collected Form, the money, and the signed permission slips
to the secretary/bookkeeper two days before leaving for your trip so that
a check can be issued. You are expected to wait for verification of amount
collected before leaving the office. I
G. It is helpful and prudent to have adequate supervision for your students.
When space is available, chaperons may ride the bus. If bus space is not available,
chaperons will need to provide their own transportation. Pre-school children
not enrolled at South Grade may not ride the bus.
H. Please urge your chaperons to come by the office and sign in the Volunteer
In Public School's (VIP) notebook. Their volunteer hours count toward the
Golden School Award.
I. Field trips enrich the curriculum but result in an additional expense for
families and an additional responsibility for teachers and School Board. Please
limit your class trips to four per year unless you feel there are special
circumstances.
J. We expect South Grade's students to exhibit good citizenship and establish
a good reputation for our school. Please do not take children on field trips
if you feel they will not obey you. Explain to the child that if they cannot
work within the classroom citizenship plan, you are concerned that they will
not cooperate with you on the trip.
K. Do not accept parent permission from these students or if it is a last
minute decision, notify the parent that you are returning the money. Assign
the student to another classroom for the day. (Review with administration
prior to taking this action.)
L. Please discuss with your class the expected behavior for the bus ride and
the tour. We want to be invited back and to be noticed for well-behaved students.
M. ESE students may attend field trips with regular classes if both the ESE
teacher and regular teacher agree. If the teachers do not agree, the child
study team will convene. Supervision of the ESE student(s) on a field trip
will be the responsibility of the ESE staff, if necessary. Where appropriate,
ESE classes can accompany regular classes on field trips, if both the regular
and ESE teachers have shared the responsibilities of planning and supervising
the trip.
N. Thank you for your attention and cooperation in making field trips a wonderful
part of children's learning.
O. A permission slip must be filled out and signed by the parent/guardian
before any child is allowed to go on a scheduled field trip.
Medication
If a student is required to take medication while on a school field trip,
the school nurse will provide the correct dosage and specific instruction
to the teacher who will administer the meds.
FOOD
POLICY
School Board Policy 7.8 (6b) Except for PTA groups who are serving other adults
or faculty groups serving faculty members, no home-prepared foods may be served
or sold on campus! Foods served to students on school campus must be prepared
in school kitchens under supervision approved by the Department of Health.
MONEY
COLLECTION
Please follow these procedures whenever money is collected from students for
field trips, school pictures, yearbooks, special sales, etc.
1. Money must be sent to the office with an adult who must stay and verify
the amount (BY 11:00 A.M. DAILY).
2. Money must be sent in an envelope accompanied by a Monies Collected Form
stating the names of students and amount paid and your signature. The bookkeeper
will verify this amount, sign and return a portion of the form for your records.
a. DO NOT LEAVE MONEY UNATTENDED ON THE BOOKKEEPER'S DESK.
3.The internal accounts auditors visit our school yearly and check very carefully
our bookkeeping records to be sure that we adhere to their strict guidelines.
The Monies Collected Forms are
checked very carefully.
PARENT
CONFERENCES
The teacher as well as
the parent can request parent conference. If a teacher would like to request
a conference, he/she may fill out a Parent Conference Request Form (and log
it on the conference log). It is always a good idea to document your request
by making a copy of your written request form before you send it home. Please
make sure that before your conference comes to an end you have filled out
either the Summary of Parent Conference Form or Parent-Teacher Interview Form
(see Appendix). After you have signed the form, make a copy so that the parent
may take this copy for their records. Place your copy in student's cumulative
record. Please be aware that a parent can request a conference by checking
this request on their child's report card. It is good practice to check a
child's report card as soon as it comes back to you.
PTO (PARENT
TEACHER ORGANIZATION)
The PTO is an integral part of South Grade's successful school operation.
Staff members are expected to support the PTO by their membership, attendance
and involvement. Objectives of the PTO To promote the welfare of children
and youth in home, school, and community. To raise the standards of home life.
To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.
To bring into a closer relationship the home and the school, that parents
and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the education of children and
youth. To develop between educators and the general public such united efforts
as will secure for all children and youth the highest advantages in physical,
mental, social and spiritual education.
PARKING
POLICY
Faculty and staff are to use the parking lot in the back of the school.
PARTIES
Birthday Celebrations
We will be happy to celebrate a child's birthday at school if parents wish
to send in a special treat. Parents should send a note to the teacher and
bring the treats to the office (not the classroom) by 10:00 a.m. All foods
must be commercially prepared (se food policy). Foods and treats should be
eaten in the cafeteria during lunch. Birthday party invitations cannot be
distributed at school unless there is an invitation for every student in the
class. The only exception is if all the boys are invited or all the girls.
Classroom Celebrations
The following guidelines have been established for celebrations:
1. Must be approved by administration.
2. There will be no chewing gum or breaking of any school rules.
3. All eating should be confined to classroom or supervised area.
4. Parties should last no longer than one hour.
5. Noise level should be controlled so as not to disrupt other classes.
6. Invitations to parties may be distributed in class ONLY if the entire class
is invited.
Special Needs For special dietary
regiments, please review high-risk list and make appropriate arrangements
for substitutions.
FOOD POLICY School Board Policy
7.8 (6b) Except for PTO groups who are serving other adults or faculty groups
serving faculty members, no home-prepared foods may be served or sold on campus!
Foods served to students on school campus must be prepared in school kitchens
under supervision approved by the Department of Health.
PLAN
BOOKS
Thorough planning is essential to a good instructional program and provides
a satisfying and fulfilling day for both students and teachers. Each teacher
is required to keep a daily plan book. The format of your plan book will be
reviewed with you during preschool attendance.
PLAYGROUND
All teachers supervising students at the playground area must complete a brief
safety in-service with the physical education teacher prior to taking children
in this area. Each fall, the physical education teacher will instruct each
classroom prior to allowing student use of playground equipment. To prevent
accidents, strict monitoring of all students at all times on the playground
is required. Active supervision with consistent enforcement of rules is required.
PLAYGROUND
GUIDELINES
1. Only one class at a time under the direct, active supervision of the classroom
teacher may use the playground area.
2. Climbing apparatus are for climbing up only. Use handrails and do not climb
down.
3. Slide sitting down only. Go feet first on you bottom and one at a time
with feet up off the sliding board. Land on both feet. Do not walk up the
slide.
4. One person at a time on the horizontal ladders. Do no kick your feet -
keep them under you. Use two hands at all times. If losing your grip, let
go and land on two feet.
5. Use caution at all times. Do not stick hands and feet into equipment. Do
not go under the playground structure at any time.
6. Use stairs/steps to enter equipment. Do not jump from equipment. The physical
education teacher may have additional guidelines.
PUPIL
PROGRESSION PLAN
See Appendix
All South Grade Elementary School students are on a trimester grade-reporting
schedule.
General Rules of Marking (See Appendix for Current District criteria) Marks
are based on the quality of work done.
A student's regular attendance, daily preparation, and promptness in completing
assignments must be consistent and congruent with these marks. Student marks
are based on a combination of teacher observations (oral presentations or
reports, speeches, recitations, impromptu speaking, response to questioning,
lab practicum, and demonstrations or identification); classroom assignments
(paper and pencil assignments, seat work, reports, term or research papers,
models, projects, exhibits, posters, computer programs, and homework); and
examinations (paper and pencil tests, including essay, multiple choice completion,
and oral tests); and skills. Additionally, these marks must be properly recorded
in your record book. Please note that a minimum of ten grades per trimester,
per report card subject must be documented. Marks are not based on a single
project. Always check each report card and envelope when returned. Sometimes
parents write a note or check that they want a conference. Schedule the conference
as soon as possible. Teach your students that report cards and mid-term reports
are "private business" between student, parents and teachers. This is not
a time to share with classmates, siblings, or friends.
PURCHASING
SUPPLIES
No items or materials are to be ordered without having a requisition form
approved and signed by the principal (see Appendix ).
SAFETY
EVACUATIONS AND DRILLS
The teacher shall:
Assist and cooperate with the principal in the development and use of fire
exit or emergency evacuation drills.
Effect and lead a prompt and orderly evacuation of the class by having full
control of all students.
Account for all students upon reaching termination point of drill and report
any discrepancy to the school office.
Supervise and assist in the evacuation of any physically handicapped student.
FIRE DRILLS
A. A fire drill is to be considered a very serious part of the school program.
A fire drill is held at regular intervals during the school year.
B. Each teacher is responsible for the instruction of students so that they
are thoroughly familiar with fire drill procedures.
FIRE DRILL PROCEDURES
1. Familiarize yourself and class with the location you are assigned.
2. Children are not to talk during a drill. They may need to listen to special
instructions.
3. Children will walk with their arms and hands at their sides while going
to the designated area.
4. Close doors and take your roll book. Teacher will call roll and signal
O.K. by having the first student in the line step out in front of the line
(about 3 feet).
5. When the all clear signal sounds, students are to walk with arms and hands
beside them back to the classroom.
6. Students not in your homeroom during an evacuation (they will be in Fine
Arts, ESE, ESOL, etc.) will stay with the teacher in charge.
7. Any student in the hall or enroute should report to his/her homeroom. It
is very important for children to understand the rules for evacuation.
Please practice the routine
so that every child knows where to go and what behavior is expected. Please
post the map showing the exit route from your room near the door. This is
a fire code requirement.
The Non-Instructional Employee
shall know:
1. Fire drill procedures and be able to implement them. Students are to leave
the room and walk rapidly, single files, with no talking.
2. That fire drills are held at regular intervals during the school year and
are coordinated with the Fire Department. When the teacher is not present,
the paraprofessional is in charge during fire drills.
3. To close doors and take the roll book with you so that you can call the
roll when the class is assembled outside.
4. That adults do not talk during fire drills.
5. That a bell will summon classes to re-enter the building.
CODE BLUE
Check your classroom for any object that cannot be identified as belonging
there or that belongs to someone in your room (i.e., book bag, lunch bag,
box.).
Line children up quietly as directed.
Take roll book.
Proceed quietly to designated fire evacuation area (go to farthest end of
that area).
Call roll - report any missing students to office.
Report any suspicious activities.
Do not touch any suspicious items.
Remain in designated area until all clear signal is given.
All special classes follow same procedure.
CODE RED
Whenever a situation occurs on campus that may affect the well being of students,
faculty, or staff, an announcement will be made on the public address system.
When you hear the words "CODE RED " this is a signal to immediately lock your
classroom door and remain in the classroom until an all-clear announcement
is made. No student or adult should be in the hallway during a CODE RED.
EVACUATION CHART
An evacuation chart is required to be posted by the classroom door.
TORNADO WATCH
Discontinue outside activities.
A. Students in special classes will return to homeroom class immediately.
B. Call roll and report any missing students to office.
TORNADO WARNING
1. Follow tornado watch procedure above.
2. Instruct the children to:
a. Stay away from windows; lower and close blinds
b. Stay away from doors
c. Crawl under tables or desks
d. Lie face down with knees drawn up under you
e. Cover back of head with hands
f. If someone should be caught outside, they should get into a ditch or crouch
next to a building with head covered
3. Teachers take cover with your class roll in hand.
4. Wait for the all-clear announcement on the P.A. system.
Security Students must be supervised
at ALL times by a certified teacher or paraprofessional. (Volunteers do not
fall into theses categories.)
Buddy System - Always use the
buddy system when sending students on errands, to the cafeteria, office, or
clinic.
Locking Classrooms - Teachers
are requested to lock doors when the classroom is not occupied.
Locking Valuables - To prevent
any possible problems, all staff are to keep valuables such as handbags in
a safe area out of sight and reach of students at all times.
Unidentified Persons - All personnel
should keep a watchful eye on areas adjacent to their classrooms, corridors,
and open areas.
All visitors must have an official
ID badge visibly displayed (Visitor, VIPS, PTA, etc.).
Strangers should be reported
immediately to the office. Any unauthorized person on school grounds is considered
a trespasser.
SMOKING
Smoking is specifically prohibited on campus or within 50 feet of the school
campus. Smoking is not permitted in restrooms, classrooms, media center, or
cafeteria.
STUDENT
PHOTOGRAPHS
The school district has traditionally prohibited news media from photographing
or interviewing students without parent permission. This practice is based
on restrictions in the Federal Family educational Rights and Privacy Act (sometimes
known as The Buckley Amendment or FERPA); on unique circumstances in some
families which make privacy an urgent concern, such as families in which a
child's location is being kept from a non-custodial parent; and on a general
sensitivity to the parents' right to have some control over the privacy of
their children. On the other hand, it is often beneficial to have news media
coverage of school activities and events in order to keep the public informed
about education and to bring recognition to deserving staff and students.
In order to balance these two concerns and to eliminate some problems which
have recently occurred.
1. A notice in the parent handbook informing parents that media often cover
school activities and asking that parents notify the school in writing if
they do NOT wish their students involved in such coverage (see Appendix).
2. Ask parents to sign a receipt for the handbook, indicating that they have
received a copy. This can be helpful in verifying that the parent has been
informed of all school rules and procedures (see Appendix). Please note that
this procedure does not allow reporters and photographers "access upon demand"
to students. They are still expected to contact the office before attempting
to do any interviews or photography on campus; and, as a general rule, they
will not be allowed to take students out of class or to interrupt the orderly
operation of the school. Principals continue to make the determination of
what is appropriate and what will be allowed. In the case of young children
or in the case of sensitive or controversial topics (sex education, drugs,
etc.), the school will still require specific permission of parents prior
to allowing students to be interviewed. In all cases, parents must give permission
before special education students are photographed or interviewed.
SUBSTITUTE
TEACHER REQUESTS
1. All advance requests for substitutes must be properly input on the substitute
locator system.
2. Substitutes need to be notified at the end of the day as to whether their
services are needed the following day. Please notify the office by 2:30 p.m.
if you intend to be absent another day. Daily assignments, roll book, plan
book, and the substitute packet should be readily available for the substitute.
3. The classroom schedule and a list of students who attend special classes,
along with the days and times they attend, should be maintained in the substitute
packet. The substitute packet must include a seating chart, daily schedule,
detailed lesson plans, dismissal procedures, and any other information that
will assist the substitute in maintaining the academic program.
SUBSTITUTE
TEACHER EVALUATION
Please feel free to fill out "Substitute Teacher Evaluation" form after a
substitute has been assigned to your class. When completed, place in principal's
box (Appendix).
TEACHER
CERTIFICATION
A. All teachers are required to have a valid Florida Certificate on file.
B. Unless the teacher presents evidence in the office of the county superintendent
that he/she has a valid certificate or has an acknowledgment from the State
Department of Education that he/she has filed an application for certification,
the School Board may withhold his/her contract and pay the teacher on a substitute-teacher
pay scale.
C. Our school office keeps a copy of the most recent certificate on file.
All teachers new to our school, or with a change in certification, need to
make their certificate available to the office to copy.
D. Any teacher who changes names should file for a new certificate and notify
the county office.
E. The Personnel Department and school office need to be notified of a change
in address or phone number.
TEAM
LEADERS
Each team nominates a team leader candidate for final approval by the principal.
Such qualities as leadership ability, organizational skills, commitment and
involvement in the total school program, professionalism, are considered in
the selection. The responsibilities of the Team Leader are as follows:
A. To represent their team members in meetings with the principal, and/or
assistant principal.
B. To meet with their team members as necessary.
C. To communicate information to team members.
D. To cooperatively plan with team members for the organization and implementation
of the curriculum and the School Improvement Plan.
E. To requisition, inventory, coordinate and distribute materials for their
grade levels.
F. To prepare the grade level budget.
G. To coordinate the team's lesson plans and to monitor the team's planning
with respect to school improvement plan initiatives and strategies.
H. To work with the assistance of their grade level teachers in the placement
of students in the various classes for the following year.
I. To assist with the orientation of substitute teachers and new teachers.
J. To meet with team members and support personnel in helping to set up the
next year's schedule of classes.
K. To be responsible for assisting in the textbook inventory and the requisition
of textbooks.
L. To serve as contact person for your team.
M. To attend at least 5 school advisory council meetings annually.
N. To attend and participate in all team leader staff development activities.
O. To perform any other duties as assigned by the principal.
TECHNOLOGY
See Appendix
TELEPHONE
Making calls The use of the phone is limited to official school business,
which includes calls to parents. If you have a personal call classified as
urgent (sick family member, car won't start, flat tire, other) please make
your call very short in length. Please be thoughtful, "Can I make this call
at home?" We appreciate your help in this matter because many, many times
the day skips by with calls not returned because we could not get a line.
With many employees and as well as children, you can imagine the overload
we have on our telephones. Please be thoughtful. Receiving calls Telephone
calls identified as being of an emergency nature that affect the health, safety
and welfare of an employee or his/her immediate family, shall be immediately
transmitted to the teacher. Otherwise, we will not call staff members to the
phone, but will leave a message in your mailbox.
TEMPORARY DUTY
ELSEWHERE
TDE FORM Teachers may request to attend meetings, workshops or seminars that
are not held here at school. When this occurs, you need to fill out a TDE
and then hand it to the secretary. There are two separate sections to the
TDE. The top portion is to be completed when you have a personal or sick reason
to be absent. The second half is to be completed when you are scheduled to
attend a workshop or meeting in or out of the district (see Appendix).
TESTING
Students in Grades 3-5 will take a norm-referenced (NRT) test. The NRT is
given during the months of March and April. This is an achievement test that
is administered locally as well as nationally. Your students will be compared
to other students locally and nationally. Additionally, 4th grade students
will take the FCAT Writing test in January or February and 4th and 5th grade
students will take the FCAT reading and math tests in February. Running Records
and Palm Beach Writes as well as any other district assessments will be added
to our testing schedule as required. Strict adherence to testing procedures
is expected.
TEXTBOOK
ACCOUNTABILITY PROCEDURES
1. All classroom teachers issuing textbooks will maintain a list of student
names and book numbers. A textbook log will be given to each teacher during
preschool attendance.
2. Textbook are assigned to students by number. The student's name is to be
printed in ink inside the front cover of the book.
3. At the end of each 9-week period, all teachers should conduct a textbook
check. Students who have lost or damaged books should pay at that time. In
no case should another book be issued to that student until the lost or damage
fee has been paid.
4. Parent should be notified in writing when books are lost or damaged. A
form letter is available in the office.
5. Students who owe for textbooks may be given a book for class use.
6. Students who transfer should turn in their textbooks before they leave.
7. Parents should be notified of their responsibility for lost/damaged books.
A form letter is available in the office. (Florida State Statutes 233.46 and
233.47)
8. Provision should be made for refunding money to student's parents when
a lost book has been found.
9. Teachers are responsible for all textbooks and related instructional materials.
Care should be given to providing
classroom security for the textbooks. Each time textbooks are issued or returned
by teachers, a record of the transaction will be made. Once each marking period
on a specified date, there will be a textbook check of the textbook numbers
for those books in the possession of students and teachers as well as those
stored in the classroom. All textbooks that are not accounted for at the end-of
the-year must be paid for from the instructional materials budget.
TEXTBOOKS
LOST/DAMAGED
When textbooks are lost or damaged, the teacher should fill out The "Lost/Damaged
Textbook Notice", (see Appendix). Students will be expected to take their
copy of this notice home to their parents. If monies are not returned, please
make a copy of your original notice and send a copy to parents through the
U.S. mail.
VISITORS
A. All persons wanting to visit a classroom must first obtain permission from
the office.
B. Teachers should ask visitors if they have received permission from the
office to interrupt the class. If procedures have been followed, the visitor
will have a visitor badge from the office. If this is not visible, please
request that the visitor report directly to the office.
C. Teachers are not to allow any child to leave the classroom to speak to
any person unless that person has first obtained permission from the office
to visit the class.
VOLUNTEERS
(VIPS)
We encourage teachers to use volunteers in their classrooms. Volunteers can
help individual students as well as be an "extra pair of hands" for you. If
you are interested in requesting a volunteer, please fill out a request form
(see Appendix ).
WITHDRAWAL
PROCEDURES
A. A parent should contact the school in writing or in person stating the
reason for withdrawal and the date of intended withdrawal.
B. Teachers are to notify the office if they are informed of a student's withdrawal.
C. A transfer card will be issued by the office on the day of withdrawal.
D. Teachers must verify that all textbooks have been returned and are on-hand
in the classroom. Reading, English and Math textbooks are to be sent to the
office on the day of withdrawal.
E. The media staff must check to see that library books have been returned,
and the office will verify that there are no cafeteria debts.
F. It is most important that students who transfer during the year from one
school to another in the district have their consumable workbooks available
immediately upon entry in the new school.
It is the teacher's responsibility to send these materials to the office on
the day of withdrawal.
1. A checklist will be provided to indicate what materials to include.
2. These materials will be sent with the student, along with the transfer
card, on the day the student withdraws, if the parent indicates the transfer
will be to another school within the district.
G. DO NOT SEND THE REPORT CARD WITH THE STUDENT. Place the report card inside
the student cumulative folder.
H. IN NO CASE SHOULD ANY OF THE DISTRICT TESTING MATERIALS OR THE STUDENT
PROFILE BE SENT WITH THE STUDENT. When a student withdraws, it is the teacher's
responsibility to update the cumulative folder and send it, along with all
testing materials, to the office when requested.
SOUTH
GRADE THOUGHTS
Don't get caught up in "negatives" of others. Offer positive alternatives,
or ask questions to re-channel thinking. Where else would you rather be? What
priorities have you established for yourself? Make it their problem for which
you offer solutions. Reassess your priorities. Instead of thinking of all
you have to do, ask yourself, "How effective was I today in what I did? "If
you find yourself in a group having a negative discussion, rather than join
in it, walk away. Negative attitudes are just as contagious as positives.
Be quick to pat others on the back and express it verbally. Along with our
facilities, we also take each other for granted. While you're at it, pat yourself
on the back, and realize that there are very few professionals in other fields
that could manage and teach 30 students per day. We are talented people.
Faculty Handbook For School Year 2004-2005
