Kingsbury Elementary

Staff Handbook

2013-2014

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Kingsbury Elementary School

Verification Form

I have read and understand all the policies and procedures contained in this Faculty and staff Handbook. I realize that failure to follow all policies and procedures outlined in the Faculty Handbook and that failure to follow the Faculty Handbook will result in disciplinary actions.

Signed:_______________________________

Date:_________________________________

As in the past, principals are asked to identify teachers that are willing to be declared surplus in the event that a reduction in faculty becomes necessary. Please indicate your decision below and turn it in to Mrs.Cramer as soon as possible.

__________ I volunteer to be declared surplus

__________ I do not volunteer to be declared surplus

____________________________________ ____________________Signature Date

Faculty Handbook

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Introduction

This handbook represents a good faith effort to present to you in writing the policies, expectations, and procedures for faculty members at Kingsbury Elementary School. Additions and amendments may be provided to you during the school year when change is deemed necessary. The administration expects that each faculty member will follow the guidelines outlined in this handbook. Please keep your handbook and refer to it throughout the year.

It is employee’s responsibility to be familiar with the policies contained in all handbooks.

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND GUIDELINES MAY RESULT IN CONSEQUENCES THAT

INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING: WARNING; BEARING ANY EXPENSES INCURRED BECAUSE

OF THE VIOLATION; SUSPENSION WITHOUT PAY, TERMINATION.

Kingsbury Elementary SchoolDistrict Mission, Beliefs, Guiding Principles and Strategic Goals

District MissionThe mission of the Memphis City Schools is to prepare all children to be successful citizens and workers in the 21st Century. This will include educating them to read with comprehension; write clearly; compute accurately; think; reason; and use information to solve problems.

District Beliefs

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All children can learn at high levels. Effective effort, not innate ability, results in higher achievement for all students. High standards and expectations must be the norm in every classroom. Knowledge must be integrated across content areas. New, more real-life ways of assessing student performance must be created to supplement

traditional standardized testing. Lasting improvement must involve the whole school; the curriculum; the organization of time

and talent; the physical and human environment; the parents; and community. Students and their parents are the primary customers of the school district. Every employee is responsible for producing higher achievement levels for all students.

District Guiding Principles Students, the quality of work provided to students, and the needs of students will be central

concerns in all decisions made in the school district. Fairness, honesty, responsiveness, and openness are core values in the district. Decisions should be made as close to the point of implementation as possible. The schools belong to the community and the community’s opinion and partnerships are

essential to effectively meet the needs of students.

District Strategic Goals Create a challenging, supportive educational environment that results in higher levels of

achievement for all students. Provide leadership to agencies that serve youth and families to ensure that families have the

necessary support to actively work to help achieve academic success for their children. Help all employees become educational leaders responsible for providing quality leadership at

all levels and to all publics, internal and external, to achieve quality instruction for students. Hold everyone in the organization accountable for contributing to the educational bottom line,

student achievement. Create an organizational culture that treats its people as its most valuable resource, invests in

their growth and development, and encourages risk-taking consistent with the organization’s mission and beliefs.

Create within the total community a sense of ownership of the schools and a belief that a quality public school system is an investment in the continued growth and prosperity of the city.

KINGSBURY ELEMENTARY MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS

KINGSBURY MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of Kingsbury Elementary School is to work together with families and community members to prepare each student to become responsible and successful citizens by providing a safe and challenging learning environment that fosters academic, emotional, social, and physical growth.

KINGSBURY SHARED VISION STATEMENTKingsbury Elementary School envisions a multi-cultural, student-centered learning community that will prepare students, using relevant and inclusive learning

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activities, to become life-long learners and productive citizens in an ever-changing society. We expect all stakeholders to accept the responsibility of providing an atmosphere where every child can be successful.

CORE VALUES F AITHFUL A SPIRE L IFE LONG LEARNERS C OMMITTED O PTIMISTIC N EIGHBORLY S ELF CONTROL

SCHOOL BELIEFSKingsbury Elementary School’s beliefs:We believe in:

A secure environment with supportive relationships promoting student learning and a positive self-image.

High academic standards supported by research-based data. Celebrating the uniqueness of each child. All regular and exceptional students learning through a variety of authentic

assessments, individualized instruction, and multiple resources. Children being active participants in their educational choices. Clear, high expectations as a foundation for educational success. Teachers, staff, administrators, parents, students, and community members

all working together to provide a quality education, implementing school and board policy, and ensuring student success.

Shared decision-making among all stakeholders.

Table of Contents

KES Professional Standards & Expectationspage 8

AttendanceCell PhonesClass SyllabusCommunication with the MediaContact InformationCourtesy ClubDutyE-mailFaculty MeetingsMailboxes

PLCsProfessional ConductProfessional DressReport of Absentee FormsSafety, Discretion & LiabilityStudent RecordsTeacher EvaluationsTeacher ObservationsTeacher Work DayTelephones

KES Instructional Expectationspage 17

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Balanced Literacy RequirementsClass AssignmentsClassroom Daily SchedulesEd PlansField TripsFirst Day of SchoolGrade Distribution ReportsHomeworkInstructional FundsInstructional Materials

Lesson PlansMorning Meeting RequirementsPlanning TimeSubstitute FoldersTestingVideo Use PolicyWork Stations & Academic ChoiceWorkbook Use

KES Parent Communication Standardspage 28Communication with ParentsGrading System ModificationsParent Contact LogReport Cards/Reports to Families

School Compact/Parent Engagement

Thursday FoldersWeekly Newsletters

KES Student Attendance page 30

Attendance Policies & Procedures

Consecutive Absences

Make Up WorkSchoolwide Reward SystemTardies

KES Environmental & Safety Issues page 34Care of RoomsDismissal ProceduresEarthquake/Disaster/Crisis PlansMaintenance ConcernsMorning Procedures

RecessSexual HarassmentVisitorsWall Displays

KES Behavior Management / Disciplinepage 43Cafeteria ProceduresClassroom ManagementClassroom/Grade Level RulesDisciplinary Actions

Office ReferralsResponsibility Outside ClassRules vs. ProceduresKES Positive Behavior Matrix

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KES Financial Policies & Expectationspage 50Check Requests/ReimbursementsCollecting Money from StudentsFee WaiversField TripsPayroll ChecksPurchase OrdersRefunds

Reimbursements from MCS depts.RequisitionsSchool FundsSchool PicturesTextbook Fines/Lost BooksTravel VouchersVendor Number Listing

KES Campus Resourcespage 57Board Films & VideosBookstoreCopiersMCS Policy Handbooks

Media CenterTeachers’ AssistantsTextbooks

KES Professional Standards and Expectations

AttendanceBecause even an excellent substitute teacher is never as effective as the regular teacher is, the ideal situation would be for all teachers to be at school every day. We urge you to schedule all appointments outside the school day whenever possible. We know, however, that emergencies arise and that there are times when a substitute is necessary. We want teachers to feel comfortable in taking a sick day or personal day when it is needed. Once a teacher has been absent for 10 days in one school year a doctor’s statement will be required to receive use of further sick days. This statement can be for the teachers or their dependents. Please be aware that your absences cannot exceed 5% of the total days worked, without receiving a referral to Labor Relations for intervention, as outlined in the MEA Agreement and SCS Policies.

All absences, full or any part of the day, must be called into the sub-line by the teacher who is going to be absent. The sub-line number is 452-2000. All absences must also be called in to Mrs.Cramer at 596-7771 or Mrs. Anderson at 333-9217.

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Because the sub-line does not always fill absences, it is preferred that you secure your own substitute in advance. Please make the office aware of all absences as soon as possible so we can make sure your class is covered during your absence. If you know you are going to be out more than one day call in the full absence. Do not, under any circumstances, ask Mrs. Knox to call your absence in for you. Anyone who misses more than 10 consecutive days of school must secure a leave of absence through the division of personnel services. See Mrs. Knox for a current list of substitutes that come highly recommended by your fellow KES teachers.

Please note that Personal Leave must be pre-approved by the principalbefore the absence and approval is based on the number of anticipated

absences for that day, as well as other factors.

Only two teachers will be approved for a Personal Day on any given school day.

Cell PhonesCell phone use during the school day by ANY school personnel is not permitted when students are present. Using a cell phone for school-related business is appropriate when there is no other phone available to use (For example...let’s say we have a traveling teacher who doesn’t have a classroom phone but needs to be reached by the office). Cell phone use for any other reason is to be limited to times when students are not present, such as time in the teacher’s lounge and/or during planning time. Text messaging and the use of bluetooth headsets are also included in this policy.

Communications with the MediaAll staff members of Kingsbury Elementary are instructed not to talk to the media when on campus. If the media asks you or one of your students’ questions please refer them to Mrs.Cramer. If faculty interviews are needed we will advise you before your interview with the press.

Contact InformationKeeping accurate information on all staff is essential to keep all lines of communication open. Every person employed at Kingsbury Elementary is to keep current personal information on file in the office at all times. Please complete the faculty information sheet and turn it in to Ms.Knox before the first day of school. Please notify Ms.Dodson of any changes the day they occur. Your personal information will be placed in the Kingsbury Elementary Directory (for teachers/administrators only).

Duty

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In order to maintain a safe school environment, it is essential that the campus be well supervised anytime students are present. At KES, this means having staff members on duty from 7:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. each day. Morning arrival and afternoon dismissal times necessitate the placement of staff members around the campus, to maintain order and ensure a safe transition period for all students. A duty schedule will be set for the fall and spring semesters and changed based on identified safety concerns throughout the course of the school year, as needed. Morning duty begins at 7:45 a.m.

E-MailIn an effort to make communications more effective, all teachers are expected to check e-mail at least twice daily…once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Many announcements and other vital pieces of information will be disseminated via e-mail and it will be crucial that you stay up-to-date with what is going on. Through a staff-wide commitment to this policy, we will be able to eliminate some unnecessary and/or lengthy meetings and hopefully stay better connected with each other regarding the overall operations of the school. Please be aware that some e-mails will be sent return-receipt…so not only does Ms. Cramer know you got it…but she will know if and when you read it. Also remember that any expectation sent via e-mail becomes your responsibility, once the e-mail is delivered to your in-box. Failure to check your e-mail is NOT an acceptable reason for non-compliance.

Faculty MeetingsReserve every Wednesday afternoon from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. for mandatory school meetings. All faculty members are expected to be present and on time, with no exceptions . If, for some reason, you cannot attend a meeting, you must give your reason in writing to Mrs.Cramer in advance, and receive approval.

Since common planning time is not available for all grade levels daily, every PLC must maintain a schedule of weekly meetings to review data, formulate instructional changes and construct interventions for struggling students. This time may also be used for joint-PLC meetings during the course of the year in order to provide needed, grade and content-appropriate staff development.

Please note that when meeting in PLCs, every teacher will sign in and those signed minutes must be turned into Mrs. Ayers the next school day. It is imperative that this time is utilized as scheduled and that PLC meetings are not moved to other days/times.

REMEMBER…we can avoid lengthy general announcement-based faculty meetings if EVERYONE commits to checking e-mail at least twice daily.

MailboxesEach teacher is provided with a mailbox located in the office. Your mail that comes to school, as well as faculty memos and announcements will be placed there. You

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must check your mailbox at least twice every day. Make sure you check your mailbox each morning and clean it out every afternoon.

NEVER send students to the office to check your box…and never expect the office to give its’ contents to a student for you. You should be the only person to check your mailbox because confidential papers are put there frequently. Prior approval is required before placing anything in all teachers’ boxes.

Professional Conduct and ResponsibilityTeachers must be aware of and avoid situations that put them in positions of risk or liability. Statistics show that 90% of classroom safety/negligence/liability problems occur when the teacher is out of the room. Do not leave your room FOR ANY REASON when students are present. If an emergency should arise that requires you to leave the room you must ask another adult to watch your class until you return. Never leave a student in charge of your class. Do not leave your room to bring a discipline issue to the office. Professionalism will count as 5% of your overall TEM score, this year.

Professional DressAll teachers must dress professionally at school and at all school-related activities. As people who wish to be treated as professionals, we must give consideration to the accepted way other professionals in our society dress. There will be occasions during the course of the school year where other attire will be appropriate and Mrs.Cramer will give you details about those occasions, as they arise. Again, please remember that ALL staff members are prohibited from wearing Bluetooth phone accessories during the school day.

Report of Absentee FormsIt is the responsibility of each faculty member to request a Report of Absentee when he/she is absent. Not completing a report of absentee form or not signing in each day can result in incorrectly coded payroll. A report of absentee form can be retrieved from Mrs. Knox’s office. Teachers, in order to be paid for a full day you must sign in each day you are here and work from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., unless other arrangements have been made with an administrator. Please notify Mrs. Knox if arrangements are made with the administrator for payroll purposes. In order to be considered as working a half-day, you must work at least three and a half hours.

Safety, Discretion, and Liability1. The first and most important concern must be the student’s safety and well-being. We do the right thing because it is the right thing, not because we want to avoid a lawsuit.2. Ninety percent of all classroom safety/negligence/liability problems occur when the teacher is out of the room. For this reason, DO NOT EVER leave your room when students are present. Never leave even one child in the room alone. If you follow

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this simple rule, students will never be in a position to receive a referral for behavior in the classroom that was not witnessed by a supervising adult. Referrals cannot be fairly handled when the supervising adult did not actually witness the behavior and they will not be accepted. Remember that it is the teacher’s responsibility to supervise the students in their charge at all times. If you must leave the classroom, it is strictly your responsibility to find another adult to monitor your students before you leave the room.3. Any physical injury requires that you file an injury report immediately with the financial secretary. Do not wait until the next day. This includes staff and student injuries. All injured students must be sent to the nurse immediately.4. MCS policy states each student sent to the nurse for illness must have a completed illness form.

Student Records – Care & MaintenanceParents may file a request to view records at any time. Please make certain all of your records are accurate and updated as often as possible.

As teachers receive registration paperwork, it is essential that you check to make sure forms are completed fully and that you receive each form for every student. Complete packets will then be turned in to the office and Mrs. Dodson, Mrs. Smith, and Mrs. Knox will sort them and file them in the appropriate teachers’ homeroom file drawer.

Confidentiality of Student Records – A ReminderAll information in the student record is private and should only be viewed by the Classroom Teacher. Teacher Assistants should never handle student records. Additionally, information in student records should never be discussed where others might hear. If the student records are to leave the office they must be signed out. Student records are never to leave the school. Teachers must sign records out if they are being taken out of the office and they must be returned to the file cabinets before you leave for the day .

Teacher EvaluationsAll teachers will be formally evaluated this year and these formal observations will follow SCS guidelines. Information regarding teacher evaluations will be available on you’re My Learning Plan Account.

Teacher Work DaysEach teacher must sign prior to 8:00 a.m. Each teacher is to be at the classroom door at 8:00 a.m. to greet students and allow students’ access to Breakfast in the Classroom. Greeting students is an essential part to get everyone’s day off to the right start.

Sign in will now be done on a computer, in the main office. Each teacher is to sign in prior to 8:00 am daily and never, ever sign in for anyone else. At 8:00am the

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names of all teachers that have not signed in will be highlighted. Please know that if you have duty, you are expected to sign in prior to reporting to your duty station to avoid any confusion.

If you know you are going to be late, please call MRS. ANDERSON first, then call the school office and let the financial secretary know immediately, so that coverage can be arranged for your class; HOWEVER, if you have duty, you will have to arrange your own duty coverage, so you must find a Duty Buddy and exchange cell numbers, just in case. The office DOES NOT have time in the morning to find coverage for people running late for duty. Please be aware that excessive calls about tardies will be handled on an individual basis.

If you have not reported for work by 8:15 and we have not heard from you, please know that a substitute will be secured for you, and you will be charged for a day’s absence.

Failure to follow expectations for on-time arrival, notification of the school, and other attendance issues will result in the use of progressive discipline.

The school day does not end until 3:15pm. Should you need to leave before 3:15pm, you must get prior permission from the Principal or Assistant Principal. Always make sure to sign out when you leave. When absent from work, you must file a report of absence form the next day with Mrs. Knox. Please note that any teacher leaving school before 1:30 will be charged with a ½ day absence.

TelephonesTelephone calls will no longer be transferred to classrooms during instructional time. Instead, calls will be transferred directly to your voice mail.

FOR THIS REASON, IT IS MANDATORY THAT ALL STAFF MEMBERS HAVE THEIR VOICE MAIL SET UP BY FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2013.

You may return calls while students are in support class or lunch and you will not be called out of class unless it is an emergency. Please note that each teacher is responsible for checking voice mail daily and returning all calls within 24 hours.

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Students are not allowed to use the main office or classroom phones unless they are under your direct supervision. DO NOT SEND STUDENTS TO THE OFFICE TO USE THE PHONE. If a student is sick, please call to notify the parent(s), Students needing their temperature checked may be sent to the main office. The Nurse assigned to KES is here to fulfill the IEP requirements of certain students with medical issues and is not to be utilized, unless it is an emergency.

KES Instructional ExpectationsCommon Core and the ELA Classroom

The focus of the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts are to outline the reading, writing, language, speaking, listening, and research skills students will need to succeed in college and the workforce. There is a renewed emphasis on the close reading of complex texts, especially literary nonfiction, as the basis for the majority of discussion, writing, and research. The Common Core Standards for ELA demand that all students graduate ready to read and respond to the academic and technical texts they will encounter throughout their adult lives. The Common Core Standards bring three main instructional shifts in the ELA classroom.

1. Building knowledge through content rich nonfiction.K-5 standards require a 50-50 balance between informational and literary reading.

2. Reading, writing and speaking grounded in evidence from the text, both informational and literary.Students are expected to use evidence from the text to present careful analyses, well defended claims and clear information.

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3. Regular practice with complex text and its academic language.Rather than focusing solely on the skills of reading and writing, the Standards highlight the growing complexity of texts students must read to be college and career ready.

Elements of Literacy Requirements for Every KES Classroom. The Daily Five – Fostering Independence in the Elementary Classroom

1. Read to YourselfThe best way to become a better reader is to practice each day, with books you choose, on your just-right reading level.

2. Read to SomeoneReading to someone allows for more time to practice strategies, helping you work on fluency and expression, check for understanding, hear your voice, and share in the learning community.

3. Work on WritingJust like reading, the best way to become a better writer is to practice writing each day.

4. Listen to ReadingWe hear examples of good literature and fluent reading. We learn more words, thus expanding our vocabulary and becoming better readers.

5. Spelling/Word Work Correct spelling allows for more fluent writing, thus speeding up the ability to write and get thinking down on paper. This is an essential foundation for writers.

Class AssignmentsStudent’s assignment and tests that have a major influence on the report card grade will be shared with the parents on a regular basis. Students will take papers home to be signed and returned to the teacher for filing.

All teachers must maintain a file containing samples of each student’s work that can be reviewed by parents during a scheduled conference. At the end of the year teachers should have a portfolio of work and assessments.

Classroom Daily SchedulesIt is the responsibility of the teacher to keep a current classroom schedule in the office at all times. Class schedules should include a 90-minute block of time for Reading/ Language Arts, time for Morning Meeting (grades PK-3), and 90 Minutes for Math. From KK-4th grades, each grade level will determine a grade level time for the Language Arts Block and for Math. Schedules are already established for 3rd through 5th grades, since we have departmentalized those grade levels.

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ALL HOMEROOMS WILL START THE DAY WITH BREAKFAST IN THE CLASSROOM AND BE READY TO BEGIN FORMAL INSTRUCTION AT 8:10 a.m.

Field TripsField trips are planned experiences that provide students with insight, information, and knowledge that constitute an extension of the regular classroom instruction. Each field trip shall be supervised by school personnel at a minimum of one adult for every twenty children, so that safety and good discipline are maintained. There are cases where the Classroom Teacher may advise greater supervision. Signed parental permission forms must be obtained for each student and every parent/guardian chaperone MUST have a completed and approved volunteer form on file, at least two weeks prior to the field trip. Every grade should plan at least one field trip for the year.

Everyone must be afforded the opportunity to take part in grade level field trips and all trips must relate to the instructional program of a given grade level. All classes are limited to two field trips each semester.

Things to remember when planning field trips:

1. The Grade Level Chair must present the field trip request and the parent note to the principal for approval no less than 5 weeks in advance, including the anticipated cost for admission, transportation, etc. PLEASE NOTE THAT FIELD TRIPS EXCEEDING $10 PER STUDENT WILL NOT BE APPROVED.

2. Once trip is approved, make the necessary arrangements and determine the final per pupil price.

3. Arrange for transportation through Mrs. Knox and make sure to add the price per student for the bus.

4. Adhere to all specific steps/deadlines as outlined in the Financial Section of this handbook (see page 50)

5. Keep permission slips together. These must be turned into the office no less than five days before the trip. Please note that students will not be allowed to go on a trip with verbal permission only.

6. All money collected must be receipted and sent to the office daily. 7. Notify the Cafeteria Manager AT LEAST 15 days in advance of lunch

plans. Sack lunches will NOT be left here for students not attending the field trip. If you have last minute changes for kids going on the trip, you must notify Ms. Fason no later than 7:45 a.m. the day of the trip.

8. Please inform parents that REFUNDS CANNOT BE MADE when the cost/entrance fee involves reserved seating at an event.

10. PLEASE NOTE THAT if not enough money is collected to cover the trip and the bus expense, NO CHECK will be issued and the trip will be cancelled.

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First Day of SchoolRemember that whatever happens in your classroom on the very first day of school will set the tone for the entire year. Students will be getting their first impression of you. If you have a good plan for the day, and if you are organized, your students will realize that you know what you are doing. If you seem unable to find materials, or if you haven’t planned for the entire day, your students are going to wonder who’s in charge.

Lesson PlansLesson plans are a written outline of the daily activities in each of your classes. Writing fabulous lesson plans does not guarantee a successful day; however, we cannot be effective on an ongoing basis if we do not have a goal, a specific destination, and a timeframe. Lesson plans are due to Mrs. Ayers on FRIDAY each week.

Weekly written lesson plans are requirements for each teacher. Remember, it is the responsibility of the teacher to teach until all students have success. All teachers must completely cover the designated standards and adhere to the MCS Curriculum Maps.

Lesson plans should be specific enough for another person to read and execute.

Completed lesson plans are due to Mrs. Ayers from EVERY teacher, every Monday no later than 8:00 a.m. It is at your discretion whether you would

rather turn in paper lesson plans or send them to her via e-mail. The Leadership Team will evaluate Lesson Plans for thoroughness, completion, and adherence to MCS standards/curriculum maps. If your lesson plans are

missing, please expect to hear from Mrs.Cramer.

Of course…plans may change. Your students may need more or less time for a specific activity. As a professional, you have the prerogative to deviate from your plans…just make sure to plan for the entire day. Every minute needs to be used for work. It is always better to have too much material planned than not enough. Remember…idle students are ALWAYS more likely to find mischief than those with enough to keep them busy

Evaluate your weekly lesson plans by answering the following questions:

1. Could a substitute or administrators understand and follow your plans? If teachers’ guides are not on your desk, have you indicated where they are? If worksheets are not with your plan book, have you indicated where they are?2. Could the administrator read your plans and identify the core unit of study?3. Do your plans indicate that carefully sequenced lessons have been planned for?4. Are your lesson plans covering MCS curriculum and TCAP objectives only?5. Is your pacing with the MCS curriculum map?

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6. Do your plans show re-teaching strategies and grouping of students?7. Do your plans show that you vary instructional strategies?8. Do your plans show many hands-on activities for the students?9. Do your plans show that you incorporate technology? (Classroom or Media Center)10. Do your plans show all components of a balanced literary program?

Minimum ExpectationsGrades K-5 all lessons must be based on CCSS’s, current SPIs or Accomplishments.

The TCAP objective must be listed on the lesson plan Literacy must show all components of Balanced Literacy Program List of re-teaching strategies and grouping for non-mastery on TCAP

objectives Lesson plans will be monitored weekly Lesson plans CANNOT be printed out of Learning Village but it can be

used as a resource in planning.The KES Grade/Content Area Specific Lesson Plan format must be used.

Morning Meeting (Required for grades PreK through 3 rd ) Every PreK-3rd grade teacher at Kingsbury Elementary School will hold a Morning Meeting. Morning Meetings help create communities that are safe, full of learning, respectful, and challenging to all, which is why all Morning Meetings will be held the first thing every morning, in every classroom.Purpose of Morning Meeting1. Morning Meetings set the tone for respectful learning and establishes a climate of trust.2. The tone and climate of Morning Meeting extends beyond the Meeting, itself.3. Morning Meeting motivates children by addressing two human needs: the need to feel a sense of significance and belonging, and the need to have fun.4. The repetition of many ordinary moments of respectful interaction in Morning Meeting enables some extraordinary moments.5. Morning Meeting merges social, emotional, and intellectual learning.

4 Parts of Morning Meeting1. Greeting

Ensures that every child names and notices others at the outset of the day Allows the teacher to observe and “take the pulse” of the group that day Provides practice in elements of greeting such as making eye contact and

shaking hands Requires students to extend the range of classmates they spontaneously

notice and greet Helps students to reach across gender, clique, and friendship lines that form

at particular ages Can employ strategies which challenges the intellect (patterns, acquisition of

foreign language phrases, set making, calculation of fractions) Encourages clear and audible speech

2. Sharing Helps develop the skills of caring communication and involvement with one

another

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Extends the knowing and being known that is essential for the development of community and for individuals’ sense of significance

Encourages habits of inquiry and thought important for cognitive growth Provides practice in speaking to a group in a strong and individual voice Strengthens vocabulary development and reading success

3. Group Activity Contributes to the sense of community culture by building a class repertoire of

common material-songs, games, chants, and poems Fosters active and engaged participation Heightens the class’s sense of group identity Encourages cooperation and inclusion

4. News and Announcements Eases the transition into the classroom day and makes children feel excited

about what they’ll be learning Develops and reinforces language, math, and other skills in a meaningful and

interactive way Builds community through shared written information

Planning TimeAll teachers have multiple, weekly support times for planning, both individually AND at least once with your grade level. Remember that planning time begins when the support teacher has your students. Do not leave students in the hall waiting on a support teacher and never allow students to walk to support classes alone. All teachers MUST be on time to pick up their students from support classes. As was started last school year, teachers may not leave campus during planning time. Should you need to leave campus during the school day, you will need to do so during your lunch time and restrict your time out to the 30 minute time frame.

Substitute FoldersThere is a need for an activity folder/lesson plans for substitutes teachers. We realize that emergencies happen so we will use the substitute folder as our alternate when we can’t use the plans. .

Folders should be prepared with at least three days of plans (you may choose to includemore days of work). The following components should make up the folder. 1) seatingchart, 2) a schedule which includes lunch, restroom breaks, recess, support classes; etc.,3) activities for the day/plans; books/page nos., activity sheet/workbook, etc., 4) dismissal-who leaves and when (bus riders, daycare bus), and 5) classroom procedures/rules (ex. - how and when do they go to restroom, go to the office, go to support classes, etc.)

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The folder for this school year should be turned in to Mrs. Anderson by August 9, 2013. Files will be reviewed and the folder will be returned to you for

completion if any of the components are missing, or if they aren’t clear.

When and if you are absent, and the Substitute teacher is unable to decipher or find your plans, then Day 1 from your Sub Folder will be used. When you return, you will be asked to replace the material within 3 days and return the folder to Mrs. Anderson, who will check you off the list for returned/checked-out folders.

If you are out for more than three days it is your responsibility to send more assignments for your class. PLEASE remember that once the folder has been

used, you MUST update it with new lessons within 3 school days.

Your classroom SUB FOLDER/BINDER should include the following items:A list of rules or expectations for behavior Consequences for when expectations are not met

Information about Thursday FoldersYour first weekly parent newsletter

Video Use PolicyIn order to ensure instructionally sound use of classroom time, the use of movies, films and videos will be limited to clips no longer than 10-15 minutes in length. Ms. Allen must approve any use of these materials exceeding this time limit, in writing, in advance. Remember that United Streaming offers many options and is a great source for instructionally-sound media to use in the classroom; however, the use of television programming as part of the regular school day is strictly prohibited. If you have any questions about this policy, please see Ms. Allen.

Work Stations AND Academic ChoiceAll classrooms will integrate academic choice as part of their daily schedule. Children choose their learning activities from a range of choices structured by the teacher. These learning activities are accessible to children through centers and are introduced to the children through guided discovery. All grades K-5 will have at least four centers to include:

ReadingMay include trade books, leveled readers, charts, posters, word study materials (letters, words), computers, listening centers for book/tape listening and making songs, poems or book tapes.

Writing

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May include a variety of bookmaking materials, clipboards, dry erase boards, Word

Walls, resource materials, pencils, paper and computers.

ArtMay include materials to illustrate and publish books and design items used in projects or classroom themes/units.

MathMay include building materials, puzzles, and math manipulatives such as, geo-

boards,Parquetry, and dominoes, and number boards.

Academic choice is the practice and performance time of the day. It provides the opportunity for children to actively engage in meaningful work and to practice and perform by themselves and with their peers what they have learned.

Work Stations and their academic choices move from free exploration of materials to purposeful work by teacher expectation and modeling. Task cards, reflection sheets, graphics organizers and other recording devices provide children with ways to assess their own learning. Children are provided with time to reflect on their work during academic choice and to share their efforts and learning with the class. Teachers may use this choice time to informally assess how children apply their knowledge in different areas and to help children see how skills, strategies and concepts relate to learning in other areas. You must label each of your academic centers. These can include Headsprout, EPGY and Reading Plus.

WorkbooksTeachers must request the purchase of all workbooks with Mrs. Ayers. Teachers must have justification for all workbook requests. Each teacher is responsible for collecting for all workbooks ordered. Remember workbooks should not be used in the classroom. They should ONLY be used for review and reinforcement at home and should NEVER be hung for display in your room.

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KES Parent Communication Standards

Communication With ParentsCommunication with parents always pays dividends. Parents want and deserve some type of regular communication from you. Communication Folders are to be sent home every Thursday. All communication from school should be included in the folder. THIS YEAR Grade Level Teams should make Weekly Newsletter together. ONE, COMMON NEWSLETTER should be sent home with all students, in your grade, every week. THINK MONDAY MEMO style. Require that students bring back the communications signed by a parent before Friday of each week. The teacher must call and talk to any parent that has not returned the folder on Friday. In the communication folder, teachers are also to send home a weekly report with homework and instructional needs for the week (see example in forms section). If a student is not progressing satisfactorily, you must let the parents know as soon as possible. It is important to make and keep copies of all deficiency forms, letters, and other reports. Every teacher is required to keep a record of all communications with parents on parent contact logs. Parent Contact Logs (see forms) are to be turned in with report card copies each nine weeks the Friday before report cards are to be issued.

All teachers are expected to make a positive, personal parent contact for every child in their class during the first three

weeks of school. A copy of your contact method stapled to an individual Initial Parent Contact Checklist is due to Mrs.Cramer

no later than Tuesday,August 27, 2013.Be creative…and share ideas with your colleagues!

Grading System Modifications (for E.S.L.and/or Resource)When modifying the curriculum or grading system please make sure an (*) asterisk is placed beside the grade on the report card. At the bottom of the report card explain the (*) asterisk. Resource and ESL grades should be done in coordination with ESL and Resource teacher.

Parent Contact Log - 21 –

A parent contact log is kept by every teacher and turned in to Mrs. Ayers each nine weeks. A parent contact log protects you and the school from liability so you must make it a habit to document all conversations about student grades and behavior. Administration reserves the right to take up parent contact logs at any time.

For your sake AND THE SAKE OF THE CHILDREN you should always utilize parents as partners and get them involved at the very first sign of

problems.Report Cards/Reports to Families/Progress ReportingThe report card and/or progress report is a way of reporting student progress to parents. Report cards are issued each nine weeks and progress reports will go home at three-week intervals in between report card dates.

Progress Reports will be sent home with every child at the mid-point during each nine-week grading period. Reports must be signed by the parent and returned within 2 school days. Any reports not received back must be followed up by a documented phone call home.

Do not give a failing grade unless you have made and documented at least 2 phone contacts and sent a progress report to the parent. The process must be repeated each nine weeks. Nothing on a report card should EVER be a shock to parents. Each teacher will keep a record of all children who are having difficulty and the parent contact made to correct the deficiency on the Parent Contact Logs. Parent contact logs are turned into Ms. Anderson each nine weeks, 2 days before the report cards are to be issued to students. Please remember that comments sent home to parents should always be phrased in a positive manner to encourage parents and students to work together to improve the situation.

School Compact and Parental Engagement PlanEvery teacher is responsible for getting a signed School Compact/PEP from every parent. The compacts/PEP will be given out at registration. Teachers can take them up at that time. Keep a record of when parent compacts/PEPs are sent home. I suggest sending them in the Thursday folder until they are returned. After three documented attempts place a school compact in the file with the three dates it was given to the parent in a file.

KES Environment/Safety Issues- 22 –

Care of RoomsWhen you leave your room in the afternoon check and make sure all windows are closed and locked and that window shades are neatly pulled. Your room should always remain neat, clean and orderly. Your room should be child centered, with lots of student work on display, keeping commercial materials to a minimum. Bulletin boards should be a contributing part of the learning atmosphere and make it obvious what your current unity of study is all about. Remember that when displaying student work you should only post QUALITY WORK and that you must post a rubric and a standard with the work. Remember “quality” refers to the assignment not the student work. Take the last few minutes of each day to have children pick up the room. It is essential that the adults in the building model the behaviors we want to see in our students and treating our workspace with respect reinforces that same ideal with the students. If you are addressed about the state of your classroom, please don’t take it personally…we just want KES to be a school all our students are proud to be a part of.

Please take time this year to remove unnecessary items from your classrooms. If there are materials that just sit…and don’t get regular use…please take them home. Some classrooms have too much unnecessary furniture for the size of the room so please work with us in de-cluttering.

Dismissal Procedures

PK and SpEd Bus riders 2:45 p.m.* PK teachers will walk with their children to the cafeteria and wait with their class until they have all been picked up/signed out.

Day Care Regular dismissal with homerooms

Grades K-5/CDC 2:55 p.m.* Teachers will walk with their children to their designated dismissal area and wait with their class IN A LINE until they have all left campus.

At 3:15 p.m. bring in all children who have not been picked up to the office. You MUST t ry to reach a parent or emergency contact. If no one is reached, or if the student is left at school after 3:30 p.m., be aware that MCS Security will be called if no one has arrived by 4:00 p.m.

Only the office can release students from school. This policy should be strictly enforced. No release of a student to any person should be granted until the request is checked for validity and approval comes from the office.

Earthquake Preparedness PlanAll teachers will teach earthquake preparedness to students. Classroom education includes the following: Definition of an earthquake, why, and where earthquakes occur, and recognizing and measuring earthquakes. All classes will review the Duck, Cover and Hold procedures. All students will practice drills for taking cover

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and evacuation of the building. All teachers will be responsible for having the Employee Multi-Hazard Emergency Preparedness Handbook, complete with class roster, at all times.

Staff ResponsibilitiesAdministration = Develop and administer the plans. Supervise and manage the drills and evacuation.Teachers = Provide student education and practice drills. Provide supervision of students and first aid treatment.Custodial = Identify and provide procedures for utility cutoffs and remove and provide first aid supplies.Cafeteria Staff = Identify and provide food and water and assist in emergency provisions.Office Staff = Assist in monitoring communications and provide efforts to preserve records and class rolls.Teacher Assistants = Assist in plan implementation. Provide for cafeteria evacuation.

Earthquake DrillsIf inside the building:1. Move away from the windows and other potential hazards.2. Get under a desk, table, or other shelter or against an inside wall; stay there until building movement’s stop.3. Assume the drop position and remain silent so directions can be heard above the earthquake noise.4. Stay in the drop position until the earthquake is over and/or until further instructions are given.5. Once the initial shock passes and things settle down, teachers should evacuate the classrooms, being alert for possible aftershock. See evacuation map.6. When leaving the classroom teachers should make every effort to take the roll book and emergency supplies with them. Announce that no one is to return to the building.7. Teachers will take classes to their assigned area (see map) and remain their until they are instructed to return to the building, or been given direction to take students elsewhere, or until students have been picked up by parents or authorized person.8. Schools will remain open until every student has been released to parents or authorized persons.

If outside the building1. Get clear of all buildings, trees, exposed wires or other hazards that may fall.2. Assume the drop position until the earthquake is over.3. After the earthquake, if on the way to school continue to school. If on the way home continue home.

Evacuation of the BuildingTeachers should evacuate the building as soon as possible after the initial earthquake. There will be no signal to evacuate. Stay calm and follow the designated routes or safest alternative to the assembly area.

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Move toward the nearest outside exit. If the exit is blocked use the alternate exit. See the evacuation map for the exit nearest to your room. Teachers nearest the exits will assess the condition of the exit and report to other staff.

See map for recommended exit routes and assembling area.

Teachers with classes in the Cafeteria should follow the above exit route and then proceed to the cafeteria exit to assume supervision of your students. All support teachers should report to an administrator to help relay messages.

Classes on buses on their way to school will be divided at the school. Support teachers will meet busses and maintain supervision in a safe area UNTIL DECISIONS ARE MADE TO MOVE TO THE ASSEMBLY AREA.

First Aid Supplies are located in the Clinic (see the nurse) for assistance.

The nurses are to carry supplies out of the building when it is evacuated. All rooms have bottled water that should be taken with each teacher upon exiting the building. Extra water may be obtained from the water heaters and boiler located at the west door. Cafeteria and Custodial Staff will assist in obtaining and providing necessary supplies.

Evacuation Procedure for Fire DrillWhen the fire alarm sounds, teachers are to quickly line their students up and lead them, in an orderly fashion to their assigned exit. Students are to be taken a minimum of 100 feet from the building. A teacher should have her roll book with her at all fire drills. No student should be left in the classroom during these drills. Classroom windows and the door should be closed.

When the regular bell rings for an extended time you may bring your students back into the building. No running, playing or loud talking should be allowed.

A copy of the evacuation map is followed. This map should be posted near the classroom door.

Students in the cafeteria during a fire drill will exit by southwest and southeast doors to the teacher’s parking lot.

Procedures for a Disaster / Tornado DrillWhen the disaster bell sounds teachers should move their students to the hall near their classrooms. The student should be sitting against the wall with their knees pulled up to their chin. Their knees as much as possible should shield their face. Arms as much as possible should cover open areas of the face. Students in the library should be moved to the downstairs wing of the primary building.

Crisis Intervention Plan

Purpose: In the event that crisis should occur before, during or after the school day, it is important that the staff and students be prepared with a pro-active plan of response.

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I. Notification and CommunicationA. After School Hours Initiation: The principal will determine the need for notifying the Grade Chairperson. If the situation warrants total staff involvement, the principal or designee will call Grade Chairs who will notify grade level members by phone. It is therefore imperative All Grade Chairpersons have accurate phone numbers of all members of the team. If the situation warrants a staff meeting, it will be held at 7:30 a.m. in the library. If necessary, the meeting will also involve Mental Health, Security or other Central Office personnel.

B. During School Hours Initiation: In the event of an emergency situation, the principal will notify staff members by stating the code words “Code Blue” over the intercom. When this statement has been made; students are to remain inside of their classroom. Teachers will check the hallways and instruct any students that might be in the hall to enter the nearest classroom depending on the crisis. An Announcement will be made when the crisis is over. Until then, all out of classroom schedules (including lunch) will be ignored. In the event of an evacuation, the fire drill procedure will be followed.

II. Meeting PlansSupport services will be provided for students and staff who are directly involved in crisis. The principal will designate specific locations for counseling services. The School Coordinating team and/or the Mental Health Staff will determine specific interventions. Guidance Counselors and Teachers will assist in the identification of students and staff that may need supportive services.

A follow-up meeting to process events and evaluate the effectiveness of the crisis intervention plan will occur following the event.

III. Media PolicyIn an effort to provide accurate information to the community, the principal or designee will be the official spokesperson to the media. All staff members will refer the media personnel to the principal. Staff members are encouraged to share useful information about the crisis situation with the principal. Students should be protected from the media. No names of students should be released to the media without parental consent. As soon as pertinent information is available, a prepared statement will be provided to the media by the principal. Having one official spokesperson is helpful in avoiding misinformation. Staff members may opt to say, “I really don’t know” or “My statements would only be speculation.”

IV. Rumor ControlRumors tend to have a negative impact on the school environment. The principal or designee will gather all factual statements. Anyone directly involved with the incident should report facts to the principal and provide written statements. If staff members or students hear rumors, they should inform the principal so that the validity of the information can be determined. Teachers are asked not to talk about a crisis to anyone until the principal makes a formal statement. Teachers can control rumors by listening to the principal’s message on their lesson line information system or by calling the principal at home.

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V. Building Monitoring ProceduresRestroom Monitors: Teachers closest to the bathroom will check and clear the restrooms. Students will be directed to the nearest classroom.

Hall Procedures: The administrative staff will patrol the hallways for additional monitoring.

Students Excused from Classes: Teachers should not allow any student to leave the classroom during a crisis period unless it is an extreme life-threatening emergency.

VI. Other Transition TimesPlayground/Parking Lot: Administration will notify teachers whether to enter the building or to remain outside.

Emergencies on the Bus: Students will be taken to the cafeteria until the degree of crisis is determined and appropriate rumor measures are taken. Letters/phone calls from the administration will be utilized to dispose information to parents.

VII. Classroom EmergenciesPlease use a continual pressing of the intercom buzzer to the office to indicate an emergency in your classroom.

Tips for Teachers During a Crisis Situation:1. Follow procedure2. Give students the facts3. Stay calm4. Give students permission for a range of emotions and lead classroom

discussion5. Keep most students in class6. Set aside the curriculum and provide activities to express emotions such

as: Writing, art work, talking and music7. Discuss funeral procedures and etiquette8. Refer students most affected to counselors9. Monitor student progress in resolving crisis 10. Allow for a wide variety of religious beliefs11. Emphasize that students have a choice about attending funerals and if

they choose to go encourage them to go with their parents.

Maintenance ConcernsPlease report all items that need repair to the building engineer by filling out a “Teacher Request for Custodial Help” form. Give a copy of the form to Mr. Lee and

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one to Ms. Knox. If the repair is not made in a reasonable length of time, please report the request and the original date to Ms. Allen in writing.

Morning Procedures – Getting the Day Started

ALL teachers are to be at your doors at 7:50am, ready to greet your students, as part of our school-wide implementation of Responsive Classroom and Breakfast in the Classroom. The bell to begin the school day will ring at 8:00 a.m. and the morning announcements will take place at 8:00a.m. sharp. The announcements will include the Pledge of Allegiance (in English and then in Spanish), any important (but very brief) announcements for the day, and recitation of the Core Values Statement. Teachers will receive a schedule for the year so you can send students to participate in these daily announcements during your assigned week.

Please note that announcements over the PA system will be limited to the 8:00 am morning announcements and time will also be set aside for any breaking afternoon news at 2:55 p.m.

RecessTeachers must supervise the students when they are on the playground. Students will be engaged in free play for 20 minutes each day, and no longer than 30 minutes, at any given time. Recess should be a balance of planned supervised activities and free play and at least ½ of recess should be organized play. Be aware that PK-5th grade classes must satisfy the a 90-minute state-requirement for organized physical activity (each week) and your PE classes only meet once a week for 45 minutes at a time.

All students need a time during the day for active play. Recess must be scheduled so that the safety of the children can be ensured. Recess should be a time of scheduled organized playtime. Each grade level will come up with activities that are rotated. Only one class section should be on the playground equipment at a time. Coach Whitaker will gladly help each grade level develop a wide variety of activities for their grade.

***Recess is not a break time for teachers nor is it a time for grading papers. No chairs should be carried outside and each teacher MUST able to see all of his/her students at all times. Never allow students to go in places where they cannot be seen and never allow students to leave playground to return to building without an adult.***

Most fighting incidents at Kingsbury occur on the playground so make sure you set guidelines and ensure that all of your students can always see you AND be seen by you.Each grade chair MUST submit a recess plan. Several of our teachers have been trained in Take 10, so talk to your colleagues about ideas you’re your structured times. Activities for recess plan are changed during grade level meetings and provisions can be made for detention and duty rotation. Only allow one class at a time on all playground equipment. Ex. Recess Plan 1 teacher is to be assigned to every play area that has students. An activity is required for

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each area! Classes rotate through each area. Ex Area 1 play equipment K-1 and K-2, Area 2 Jump rope, hula hoop K-3 and K-4, Area 3 Kickball all run K-5 and K-5, Area 4 Relays K-5. Rotation should be 5 minutes per station.

Sexual Harassment1. Both students and personnel are protected by federal law and by the Board policy from harassment by sex.

2. There is no automatic formula for what constitutes sexual harassment, but it does not just refer to physical contact or seeking sexual favors. It can include suggestive comments, offensive jokes, or remarks, and demeaning comments. An atmosphere that is generally hostile to one sex can be deemed harassment.

3. We have a responsibility to deal with allegations of student-to-student harassment. If reports or allegations of such action come to you, they must be looked into. The surest way to become liable is take no action. The law may accept good faith mistakes in investigation or remedy, but inaction or ignoring a complaint may result in automatic liability.

4. If you find that sexual harassment has occurred you should take appropriate corrective actions. Ask personnel or legal counsel for help if you are in doubt as to what is appropriate. To the extent that confidentiality laws don’t prohibit it, you will probably want to share your corrective action with the victim.

5. Be aware of restrictions against retaliation. A person who complains about harassment or discrimination is exercising a protected right. Even if the complaint turns out to be unjustified, you cannot take action against a person for making it.

6. Harassment is simply a type of discrimination. There is liability for discrimination by race, sex, national origin, religion, etc - and, in some employment settings, by age. Most cases can be tried before a jury. The jury is not usually required to accept your explanation of your actions and may infer that some actions are pretext for discrimination. This is especially true if the explanation is hard to credit or if actions seem to involve a pattern of favoring a particular race, sex, etc.

VisitorsParents and other visitors are welcome to visit our school. All visitors must report to the office. Visitors must wear a visitor badge or nametag printed from the check in computer, issued by the office. Visits to individual classrooms during instructional time are permitted only with approval of the principal and teacher. Such visits are not permitted if their duration or frequency interferes with the delivery of instruction or disrupts the normal school environment. Visits should be prearranged with the teacher at least 24 hours in advance.

Parents and parent designees, who come to school to sign children out and remove them from school, must report to the office. Students will not be released to parents from the classroom.

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Because it is essential that all staff members be able to devote the entire school day to the instruction and effective supervision of our students, it is essential that staff members do not bring their own children to school during instructional days. We are aware that situations may arise where child care may not be available or that school district schedules may vary, so please plan carefully. (On-campus staff development days and other school events are definitely negotiable and should be discussed with Ms. Allen or Mrs. Anderson, in advance.)

Wall Displays (Student Work)Weekly time must be dedicated to working on creating and maintaining outside classroom displays and environment and all teachers have a responsibility to help with displays.

All teachers are responsible for keeping current unit related quality work on display in their assigned area. Grade level wall displays should contain samples from all classrooms.

All Work Displays Must: State a clear project description State standard State a reason for the project Have a rubric posted with the

student work Never contain scores or comments

Always be mounted on construction paper

Always be student work Never be commercially produced

materials (no ditto sheets) Always reflects the students’ best

effort

Please be aware that there is now a Hall Environment PLC, headed by Mrs. Baki. Her committee will work with grade levels and hallways to ensure that every board is utilized to it’s fullest and that they are updated on a regular basis.

All boards must be done prior to the day school opens to the public!

KES Behavior Management Expectations and Discipline Policies

Cafeteria Procedures

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Teachers are to walk their class to the cafeteria line and ensure that all students are assigned seats at their assigned cafeteria table. At pick up, teachers must be on time and make sure that tables are clean for the next class. Since we all share the cafeteria, it should always be kept clean and at a comfortable noise level.

Students are expected to obey the following cafeteria rules:1. Respect and obey the cafeteria

monitor(s).2. Enter quietly and orderly.3. No talking in the lunch line.4. Sit at assigned tables.5. Engage in quiet conversations.

6. Remain seated unless special permission has been granted.

7. Practice good table manners. (Do not play with food)

8. Keep eating area clean.9. Keep your hands, feet and other

objects to yourself.

In the event a student does not obey the rules of the cafeteria, they will be subject to the regular disciplinary actions.

IT IS ABSOLUTELY IMPERATIVE THAT TEACHERS BE ON TIME FOR LUNCH…BOTH COMING AND GOING. BE AWARE THAT YOUR 30-MINUTE TIME FRAME FOR LUNCH INCLUDES GETTING TO AND FROM THE CAFETERIA…SO STAY ORGANIZED AND BE ON TIME.

Classroom ManagementClassroom management is often the difference between an effective teacher and an ineffective teacher. Even teachers who are well prepared for teaching the day’s objectives will not succeed without a plan to insure the procedure they want to have followed in the classroom. Classroom management is not simply a discipline plan; it is a well-communicated management plan to help reduce discipline problems. The suggestions here are intended to help the teacher build a climate or culture in his classroom where students can work, learn, belong, and find success.

Potential Classroom InterventionsDiscussed during classroom

meetingContact with parents (continuous)Positive CommunicationRole PlayingStudent ConferenceWeekly Reports/Parent’s SignatureCommunity Resources such as

Mentors/AdoptersKids ClubsHigh School Helpers/Tutoring

Peer TutorsPaired LearningStudent ContractsTime Out in the classroomTime Out in another classroomConflict Resolution InstructionPeer MediationAnger Management InstructionGrade Level ReviewOffice Referral

Never, EVER place a child in the hall for time-out - only in another teacher’s room.

Classroom/Grade Level Rules

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Teachers must post the four to five essential agreements for their class in a prominent place. There is no need to repeat school wide expectations; however, you are obligated to enforce all school rules both in your classroom and on school grounds. This includes policies on gum, candy, dress code, and other school-wide issues.

Always state rules in positive terms. “Raise your hand before speaking” instead of “Don’t talk without permission.” It is always a good idea to let students come up with classroom rules.

Along with rules, you need to decide on logical consequences to employ when a student does not follow the rules. A logical progression of consequences might be: One time out = a note to parent. More than one time out in the same day = a phone call or parent conference.

A COPY OF YOUR CLASSROOM RULES IS DUE TO MRS. ANDERSON NO LATER THAN AUGUST 9, 2013.

The key to having a well-disciplined class lies in the teacher’s ability and willingness to enforce rules consistently and fairly. You should be able to enforce your rules without nagging or losing your temper. Remember the no talking and no emotion rule. If a student chooses not to follow the rules you are obligated to apply the consequences. Students will respect you if you have high expectations for their good behavior, if you treat every student fairly, and if you enforce the rules consistently. Your classroom is yours and your personality and teaching methods will determine its make-up.If you need help with a student use the intercom…but never leave the entire class to bring one student to the office or to call a parent.

Remember changing students’ behavior requires individual attention to each offending student. Embarrassing a student in front of other students or another teacher is never acceptable. You can be firm and consistent and still be aware of the feelings of the students. A remark intended to be humorous is often not perceived as humorous by others.

The greatest teacher in the world cannot teach unless good classroom discipline is maintained. Likewise, a good disciplinarian does not necessarily make a good teacher.

Procedures versus Rules: Don’t confuse rules with procedures. Procedures are “how we do things in this class.” You will need to establish and teach procedures for things like... What do I do when I enter the room? How and when do we go to the restroom? How do I hand in my papers? What do I do when you are absent? What do I do in case of all emergency drills? How do I get my lunch and where do I sit? What do I do if I need help?

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Disciplinary ActionsWe believe that the dignity and respect for all of our students should always be confirmed. We should respect our students’ personal circumstances and always affirm where our children come from. In keeping with this belief, we must think differently when disciplining our students. Our goal is to create a caring community and a responsive classroom. Think about the following points as you work to build a caring community:

Know your children, know their resources and align this knowledge with your response to each child.

Have a clear vision of what you want to happen in your classroom; otherwise you’ll have chaos.

Look within yourself - your classroom practices for solutions to consistent behavioral concerns.

Classroom rules should be stated positively. Discipline should be proactive.

When we teach children pro-social behavior, care of materials, safety, voice control, and appropriate ways to dispel anger, we need to model these behaviors ourselves. We must demonstrate the same respect and concern for the child that we show when we interact with adults, or when we teach new concepts to children in other areas such as language arts and science. We would not remove children from the group for not immediately grasping the properties of water; neither is it appropriate teaching to remove children from the group for not understanding the value of verbal communication over physical aggression. Educators need to regard discipline as teaching appropriate forms of behavior, not as punishment (Clewett 1988). ((Please reference “Positive Discipline” by Jane Nelson))

Office disciplinary referrals:Classroom discipline is the classroom teachers’ primary responsibility. Office referrals may be made when a child causes harm to self or others. Certain offenses require that a student be seen in the office immediately…whereas others build up to a point over time where a referral becomes necessary. In situations where behavior is persistent, you must fully complete the Interventions Checklist found in the Forms section of this handbook PRIOR to writing a discipline referral AND ensure that parents have been given ample opportunity to intervene. This includes parent phone calls, parent (IN PERSON) conferences, and/or team conference when appropriate.

YOU MAY SEND A REFERRAL TO THE OFFICE ONCE YOU HAVE:

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1. Completely filled out the Discipline referral form, including dates and times of parent contact, as well as dates of other attempted interventions2. Been in personal contact with the parent at least ONCE within the last 5 days.3. Listed what steps/strategies (including dates) you have taken to control this specific behavior4. Confirmed that the behavior was witnessed by a faculty or staff member 5. Maintained a discipline folder for each student so that the administration may refer for documentation as the referral is investigated

All sexual misconduct is to be dealt with on an individual basis and ALL sexual behavior is to be reported immediately.

You will receive a copy of the discipline referral form once the administrator has handled the situation.

UNLESS THERE IS CASE OF VIOLENCE, DO NOT SEND ANOTHER STUDENT WITH THE FORM. INSTEAD, THE OFFICE WILL CALL FOR THE STUDENT.

NEVER BRING A STUDENT TO THE OFFICE AND LEAVE YOUR CLASS UNATTENDED. USE THE INTERCOM AND WE WILL COME TO YOU.

You should always refer students to office if they harm themselves or other students, OR damage school property.

KINGSBURY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLPositive Reinforcement Behavior Matrix

2010-2011

Through explaining, modeling and assisting our children with the following positive behaviors, we can truly build a culture of respectful, independent thinkers who make positive contributions to society as

adults.

LOCATION CARING RESPECTFUL SAFE

Classroom--Help a friend complete a task--Think of others first--Keep the classroom neat and clean

--Listen to others when they speak/one person speaks at a time--Give classmates and teacher your attention--Take care of materials

--Follow classroom and school-wide procedures--Walk away from fights and arguments--Tell an adult about a problem

Hallway

--Always put trash in the trash can--Look at student work and displays ONLY--Be as quiet as possible

--Walk to the right --Give the classmate in front of you walking space--Listen to the teacher for directions

--Stay with your teacher--Watch your step/walk in a straight line--Walk

Cafeteria

--Clean up behind yourself--Help a friend who spilled something--Tell the cafeteria staff how much you appreciate them

--Say “please” and “thank-you”--Pay attention to the teachers, servers, and educational assistants--Practice good table manners and listen when you are corrected (example: using your inside voice)--Stay in your spot in the line

--Only use food and beverages to eat and drink--Quickly pick up spilled items--Keep hands and feet to yourself both in the line and at your table

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Playground

--Include everyone in games and activities--Take care of equipment --Share classroom equipment

--Line up when the teacher calls--Play games that are fun and not intended to hurt someone’s feelings--Keep the playground neat and clean

--Always stay within the teacher’s sight--Stay away from any objects that could be dangerous--Walk away from fights and arguments (Tell a teacher)

Restroom

--Clean up behind yourself--Let a teacher know if a classmate is ill--Alert an adult when something is out of order

--Always give others their privacy--Pick up unused paper/trash--Wait your turn--Remember to flush

--Only use toilet paper and water for your personal use--Report any misconduct--Walk away from fights or arguments (Tell a teacher)

Assembly

--Listen closely to the speaker--Applaud to show your appreciation

--Come in quietly--Sit in your assigned seats--Only speak when it is appropriate--Stay seated so others may see

--Keep feet and other objects out of aisle--Stay in your seat during --Stay with your teacher

Bus

--Say “hello” to the bus driver as you enter--Say “good-bye” and “thank-you” as you leave

--Follow the bus driver’s directions--Keep your area neat and clean--Only use open windows to get fresh air

--Use your inside voices--Keep feet and other objects out of the aisle--Stay in your seat--Give your schoolmates their personal space--Avoid fights or arguments (Tell an adult)

Teacher Responsibilities Outside the ClassroomAll teachers are to help see that student order is maintained in all areas of our campus. Teachers are to correct all students, regardless of his/her homeroom teacher. Teachers are to use their classroom management plan in all areas of the school. Please teach and enforce the following building expectations:

General School Expectations1. Students will attend school daily and always be on time.2. Students will bring books and school supplies to class each day.3. Students will refrain from bringing toys, large sums of money or other personal items, which could cause disruption in the classroom. In the event a child brings something inappropriate to school, the teacher will hold the object until the parent comes in to pick it up OR turn the item in to the main office, if it is in violation of the Code of Conduct.4. Students will maintain proper conduct at all times.5. Students will not leave school at any time without permission from the office.6. Students are not to bring candy, gum, potato chips, or other junk food unless they are a part of a regular sack lunch. All food must be eaten or discarded before leaving the cafeteria. Students may NOT take snacks/drinks back to class.7. Students reporting to homeroom later than 7:30 a.m. will be marked tardy. Tardies will be excused only if the student accompanied by a parent and the parent has an acceptable excuse or brings a signed note stating an acceptable reason for tardiness.8. Students will show school pride by obeying school rules and respecting the rights and property of others.

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9. Students will be fully informed of the school rules and consequences by their teachers.10. The teacher will escort classes to the restroom, cafeteria, and support classes.11. Students/parents will be responsible for restitution if they damage or destroy school property.12. Students will refrain from aggressive behavior on the bus and on/around school property.

Standard of Conduct1. Students shall not use obscene and/or abusive language.2. Students shall not participate in excessive talking and unnecessary noise in the classroom, the halls or the cafeteria.3. Students shall not play in the restrooms.4. Students shall maintain proper conduct on field trips.5. Students shall refrain from running in the halls.6. Students shall refrain from fighting or other acts of violence directed toward other students.7. Students shall refrain from all acts of thievery.Hall Expectations (The Halls are quiet zones-NO TALKING)1. Students will walk quietly and stay to the right side of the hall.2. Students will stay with the staff escort unless student has a hall pass.3. Students will keep hands and other objects to self.4. Students will go directly to their destination. Loitering in the hallway is not permitted.5. Classroom reward items (cookies, candy, etc.) are for use in the classroom only and should not be in the halls, cafeteria or support classes. TEACHERS MUST WALK IN THE BACK OF THE LINE TO SUPERVISE THE CLASS. ANY CLASS IN THE HALLWAY WITHOUT A TEACHER CAN/WILL RESULT IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PROGRESSIVE

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES.

Each grade level will turn in their collective system for conduct grade monitoring to Mrs. Anderson by August 16, 2013.

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