2013 - 2014

Mission Statement:

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The Black Mountain Elementary School family pledges to provide a

safe, nurturing and engaging learning environment that prepares all

students to be contributing citizens in our Global society.

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General Policies

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Accidents/ Injuries/ Head Injuries/Accident FormsAnnouncementsArrival and Departure SchedulesAt Risk studentsAttendanceAV and Supplemental MaterialsBelief StatementsBook FairBookkeeping ProceduresBus BehaviorCafeteria ProceduresChained DoorsCharacter EducationClose of School DayCode of Behavior of StaffCollecting MoneyConductCommunicationConfidentiality of Student InformationCorporal PunishmentCounselingCopyright LawsCumulative RecordsCurriculumCommittees/ResponsibilitiesDaily SchedulesDevotionsDiscipline and Code of ConductDress for Staff and StudentsDuplicatingDuties of Staff MembersEarly DismissalEarly/Late proceduresEmergency Closing of SchoolEmergency DrillsExclusion, Dismissal, SuspensionExcusing StudentsFaculty Meetings/Grade Level MeetingsField TripsGrade BookGrade Mothers/Fathers

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Grade SheetsGrading SystemGrievance ProcedureHealth Record InformationHomeworkHonor RollHousekeepingIGPInstructional TimeInsurance- Student CoverageInstallment Pay (12 months)Lesson PlansMailboxes for School PersonnelMedical InformationMedicationOrdering MaterialsPartiesProcedures for Reporting Child Abuse/NeglectPromotion StandardsRelease of InformationRetention/Placement/ PromotionSecuritySellingSmoking in Work PlaceSpecial ServicesStaff Development ReimbursementStaff Members ChildrenSubstitutes/Substitute FoldersTeacher EvaluationsTeacher/Principal ConferencesTechnologyTelephoneTextbooksTransfer of StudentsVisitationVolunteers

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Accidents/ Injuries/ Accident Form

Teachers are expected to care for their student’s minor injuries. Band-Aids are available in the office and work areas. Remember that you should wear gloves anytime there is potential contact with blood or other bodily fluids. Whenever a child is injured- even if it is a minor injury- you must make the child’s parents aware. Administration insists that, whenever possible, even in the case of a minor injury, parents be called that day.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY TO BUILDING SUPPORT FROM OUR FAMILIES.

You must also fill out an injury report. Along with Injury Reports, you may need to fill out a Head Injury Report (in folder).This report needs to be filled out for any head injury, copied for the front office, and sent home for parent(s) to read (has symptoms requiring medical attention.) This report needs to be signed and returned to the school.

o One copy to Ms Hillerman/Mr. Bossert, o one copy for the family, o and one copy for yourself.o Under some circumstances our nurse, Kim Allen, may need to be informed.

Receipt of this form gives a parent a chance to address any concern they might have regarding their child’s safety. If an accident requiring medical attention occurs, notify the office immediately. We share a legal and ethical obligation to the family, administration, and County Office to make proper reports. Complete the Buncombe County Health Center School Injury Report (provided in the forms section of this handbook) on the same day the injury occurs. Early in the school year remind students that they need to report all accidents and advise teachers when they are ill.

If a student becomes too ill to remain at school, please send the child to the office, but please call downstairs and inform Mrs. Hillerman or Mr. Bossert about the problem. As long as a child remains at school, we are fully responsible for their well-being. Please use discretion and your knowledge of the child to determine if we are dealing with a sick child, or with a child who simply wants to go home.

Announcements:

Announcements will be made in the morning at 7:55 a.m. and daily at 2:40 p.m. All activity should stop during office announcements . Students are expected to be settled and listening. During announcements please refrain from conversing with individual students or other staff members while they are being made.

Arrival and Departure Schedules :

Staff: Black Mountain Elementary teachers and assistants should be at school no later than 7:30 a.m. In the case of morning duties (greeting car riders – please be here by 7:20) Students will be released to come to your rooms at 7:30. So, it is necessary to be on time and in your classroom by 7:30 to greet your students reporting to class. Art, Music, and PE teachers should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to their class. (Specialists should also be aware that under some circumstances we may ask your help with Lunch Duties.) Please do not leave students unattended. If you have an emergency situation and expect to be late, you should call the school so supervision can be provided for your students. Seven hour Teacher assistants need to be on duty until 3:00 p.m., unless told otherwise by administration.

Hourly employees should be mindful of clocking in and out so that their record reflects no

overtime. Especially in these days where school budgets are very tight … this administrator is not authorized to grant overtime, and the County Office will only approve overtime under the most extreme circumstances, and even then only with advanced notice. If you anticipate having to stay late or arrive early then you must adjust your hours accordingly – during the week when the overage occurs. So, if you know you will be staying 60 minutes late on Thursday, for example, you must

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adjust your other days to account for the 60 minutes on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and/or Friday.

Teachers may leave when all professional duties are completed. For those of you who are specialists, you should make yourselves available to assist and/or collaborate with classroom teachers after school. If it is necessary to start school on a two hour delay time schedule, you are expected to report to school at your regular reporting time, unless it is unsafe to do so. On workdays, you should arrive no later than 7:30 a.m. If weather conditions prevent your arrival on time, please call the office. Early departure or leaving the school grounds during the school day should go through Mr. Bossert. Do not leave the building to purchase meals, or do other personal errands, without first clearing this with Mr. Bossert. If you leave the school grounds for any reason, you must sign out and back in for insurance purposes. Do not leave school grounds during the day without letting Mr. Bossert know.

All staff members are required to sign in and out on the sheets provided in the office. On inclement weather days, you must arrive before 10:00 a.m. to be counted present for the

entire day. If you arrive after 10:00, you will have to take a one half (1/2) Annual Leave.

Please make every effort to arrive on time. Time before students arrive will allow for planning and organization of daily activities. Please work out your schedule so that either an assistant or a team member is covering your class if you need to be out of the area.

Leave:

Please remember that you are required to use the AESOP system to request a substitute, but Personal Leave must still be approved by the principal. (Details below.) Ms Hillerman will remind you of the details of the AESOP system at our first faculty meeting.

Always remember that you are a very important person and that, no matter how competent a substitute may be, the dynamics in your room change dramatically when you are not here!

At times it is necessary for a teacher to take personal leave. According to county policy, this leave should be requested two weeks in advance. If an emergency arises that requires you to take personal leave, request approval from the principal. Typically, personal leave, when requested less than two weeks in advance will have to be accompanied by an explanation, rationale if you will, presented to Mr. Bossert. If your personal leave is taken on a teacher work day, your pay will not be docked.

When planning to attend a workshop or staff development activity, complete the leave form in a timely fashion, so that we can obtain a sub as soon as you have knowledge of the meeting. Most leave forms have to be sent to the Central Office for approval before the leave is taken.

Sick leave should only be used when you or a member of your immediate family is sick. Be advised that not completing leave forms correctly is the same as falsifying state payroll records and that offense may be job threatening.

All staff members are to remain at school on designated early release days until at least 3:30 p.m. No outside appointments should be scheduled on early release days.

DO NOT ASK FOR LEAVE ON THE DAYS IMMEDIATELY BEFORE AND AFTER A PLANNED SCHOOL VACATION. Only under the most extraordinary of circumstances will such a leave request be granted.

Optional Work/Snow Days: Annual leave can be taken on optional workdays. It is the employee’s responsibility to be aware of the

number of days they have. When all leave days have been used, the employee may request leave without pay.

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All employees, who plan to take a leave or trade day on an optional work/snow day, must call the office to report that they are not coming to work. If road conditions are not passable, an employee may request to make the day up on a date designated by the principal after the school year has concluded. This applies only when roads are not passable and when prior approval has been given by the principal.

**Set aside Thursday afternoons for faculty meetings. There will be at least one Thursday per month when the entire faculty will meet. The bulk of the business of Black Mountain Elementary School will be conducted on these days. Every Monday afternoon Grade 4 & 5 will meet. Dismissal coverage for students have been arranged to allow grade levels to start their meetings in a timely fashion. Grade level meetings should be thought of as mini-staff development sessions. The purpose of these meetings will be to co-plan, coordinate common assessments, study data, review methods and materials, organize field trips, and address issues brought to you by administration, committees, our curriculum coach, etc. It is expected that specialists (Art, Media, Music, Title I) attend at least one grade level meeting per month.

LEAVE FOR RELIGIOUS PURPOSES

If the observance of your religious faith requires you to ask for leave on a student day or a designated teacher work day… please provide ample notice and know that you will have to make up such a day after the conclusion of the school year. State regulations will allow such leave for up to two days per school year.

Students:Buses should arrive at 7:30 a.m. All students who arrive between 7:15 and 7:30 will report to the

cafeteria. Please help with that. If a student gets to your class at 7:15, for example, please send that student directly to the cafeteria. Those who arrive after 7:30 a.m. will go immediately to their homeroom. Any student who arrives after 7:55 a.m. is tardy and should report to the office for a tardy slip. Announcements will be made at 7:55 a.m. Class should be ready to begin at that time.

It is imperative that every student have an established departure schedule/routine. If the student is to vary from the established routine, they must have a note stating the change from a parent or guardian. Notes regarding a bus change for the afternoon need Principal (or designee) approval. Please send these down with attendance. They will be signed and returned to you before the end of the day. We try very hard to be flexible with transportation changes, but, we will not be flexible in the absence of confirmed parental approval/request for a transportation change.

Buses will be dismissed immediately following afternoon announcements at 2:40 p.m. Teachers or assigned staff should walk students to the loading area. Students attending the after school program will ride a shuttle bus over to the Primary School or walk, depending on the weather.

Car Riders will be dismissed at approximately 2:50 p.m. after buses have been safely loaded. Wait for the announcement over the PA system before escorting them outside! Teachers or the supervising staff member should stay with students until all students are picked up. If a parent has not arrived within a reasonable amount of time, allow the student to call home to arrange for pick-up. That student is the teacher’s responsibility until he/she leaves the school grounds. Second bus riders will be dismissed to the hallway and the cafeteria immediately following car riders. Second buses are expected to leave by about 3:15 p.m.

Note: (Regarding second bus riders.) One teacher per grade level should escort second bus riders

to the waiting area daily. The dismissal routine went well last year. We need people watching the hallways and stairs. As soon as all car riders are picked up, second bus run students will be dismissed to wait under the awning in the front of the building. However, as was started two years ago, students are to remain in their classrooms until called. The sole exception is when members of a grade level must do car rider duty. Those people should share their students with a neighboring classroom. This seemed to work well last school year.

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At Risk Students:

It is critical that students with special concerns or academic problems be identified early and interventions implemented to help the student make progress. Buncombe County Schools now have an “At-Risk Screening Form” that is completed along with a “Student Personal Education Plan” for every “at-risk” child in your class during the first nine weeks of school. These forms are housed in a green folder, which becomes part of the student’s cumulative record. As you are reviewing student records you will notice that some students already have a green folder started. These forms are working confidential documents to be used throughout the year to track student performance as well as documentation and interventions and strategies. They should be done progressively throughout the year as outlined and updated as diagnostic information becomes available. Please be certain that you retain work samples throughout the year to be included in these green folders. Green folders will be spot checked by either myself or our curriculum coach. After reviewing last years Green Folders (12-13), there were several concerns. These concerns will be addressed with individuals. Some problems were just clerical. Others were omissions of required documents, missed parent signatures – and the conferences at which those signatures should have been collected.

Attendance:

All students should be made aware of the Buncombe County Board Policy on Attendance, which requires students who attend school less than 166 days in a school year to attend attendance summer school. This information is in the student handbook. Attendance make-up days will be scheduled for selected Saturdays during each quarter.

When a student is absent, the following procedure should be followed:

1. Students must bring signed notes from home stating the reason for the absence. Use this note to code the absence on the attendance sheet. If no note is received, code the absence a (2 unexcused). If the student brings a note within five days, the unexcused absence should be changed to excused (1). IF A STUDENT COMES TO SCHOOL WITHOUT A NOTE, PLEASE CALL THE HOME AFTER SCHOOL AND CHECK ON THE REASON FOR THE STUDENT’S ABSENCE. ASK THAT A NOTE BE SENT IN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. IF SUCH REQUESTS FAIL TO GET A NOTE SENT IN, PLEASE ADVISE THE OFFICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Please be wise and document the date of the call and whether or not you actually made contact with the family. We had an incredible number of unexcused absences last school year. WE CAN FIX THAT.

2. Keep student notes on file for the duration of the school year. Keeping a folder for each child. On a daily basis, report excuse notes to Vickie.

3. If a child is absent for two consecutive days, call the child’s family to inquire after the child’s health. If you are unable to call the family let Mr. Bossert, Ms Hillerman, or Ms Boyle know. We will try to contact the family. BUT … you should be the person who normally contacts the family.

4. Please keep Debbie Sexton, Family School Specialist, and me informed of excessive tardies and absences. Ms Boyle, Ms Sexton, and I discuss tardies frequently, especially during TIPS meetings, but a nudge from you is a big help!

5. Additional reminders: Please make sure the attendance is completed and accurate each day by 8:15 on HOMEBASE. Make sure all students who are not in the room by the time the bell rings are marked absent. If

they come in late you do not have to change it, Ms Boyle will make the change by using the sign-in sheet in the office.

When you mark a student absent, if you know the reason, you may code it. If not, mark it unexcused until you hear from the parent. If you do not receive a note within five days, then leave the absence unexcused. (Please refer to #1, above)

If you are absent, please make sure your sub has an attendance sheet to send to the office. Do not give your password to anyone!

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If you have trouble logging on or get locked out of your computer, please let Ms Boyle know and then send your attendance to the office. You do not need to spend a lot of time trying to log on.

Please make sure attendance is done before you go on a field trip. Students who arrive at school after 11:30 a.m. are absent, not tardy. Look carefully at excused/unexcused absences. (Review Board Policy) Date notes if not dated. If a student receives a “Doctor’s Note Needed” letter from the office, any time they return to

school without a doctor’s note, code the absence a (2) first. The absence will be coded excused (1) only if you receive the required note from the doctor. These notes should be sent down to the office for Ms Sexton to verify and record for her records.

Five unexcused tardies or early checkouts will equal one unexcused absence.Please explain this carefully to students. This year perfect attendance awards will go to those who have truly been perfect.

Tardy Students/Lawful and Unlawful Absences

Tardy students must have a note from the office before being admitted to class. (Teachers must send students back to the office if they do not have a tardy slip.) Children leaving must check out through the office and must also check back in when returning and get a readmit slip.

Lawful Absences: Illness Quarantine Death in family Medical appointments Court proceedings Religious observances Educational Opportunity

Unlawful Absences

Inclement weather unless the school bus schedule is altered Car trouble Lack of heat, electricity Shopping Missing the bus Baby-sitting Truancy Out-of-school-suspension No written excuse Unnecessary delay in reporting to school (transfer from another school) Work Vacations (even those the family calls ‘educational.’ Hair appointments Private lessons Poke Mon card trading excursions to the Ukraine

Duties of the staff as stated in the Compulsory Attendance Law:

1. To inform students and parents of the value and importance of regular school attendance through:

Classroom activities Programs and announcements at Parent-Teacher Organization and Teachers’ meetings The development of public sentiment in the community for regular school attendance

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2. To ascertain the cause of the nonattendance and thus determine when an Absence is lawful or unlawful (G.S. 115C-379); (The practice of requiring written excuses is recommended as a means of obtaining information as to the cause of absences. However, when a teacher obtains knowledge through another means that the cause of an absence is lawful and a written excuse is not provided, such absences should be reported as lawful).

3. To implement the Ten Day rule: (See Data Manager) – 10 days for students. After 10 days, considered “no shows” don’t put E1 until you see “the whites of their eyes.”

4. To maintain accurate student accounting records; attendance records shall be kept for 180 school days.

5. To maintain the same student records for extended school day programs as those in regular school, in addition to those required in Chapter 3 of the School Attendance and Student Accounting publication which relates to extended day student accounting records. (G.S. 115C-307 – G.S. 115C-308

6. Students who have extraordinary absences are called either by the office or the Family/School Specialist.

If you have any questions about your attendance, do not hesitate to talk with Ms Boyle.Public Law G.S. 115C-378 requires that parent or guardian be notified at 3, 6, and 10 days of unexcused absences. We will do this by mail and it will be handled through the office. A copy of the letter will be placed in the child’s cumulative record for documentation purposes. If Ms Bartlett inquires about a particular child in your class, her questions should be handled immediately. If we are going to enforce the attendance policy, we must monitor truant children carefully and efficiently.

Audio Visual and Supplemental Materials:

Our Media Coordinator will distribute said materials as needed. Please make your requests personally, or through e-mail..

Belief Statements:

1. Students learn best when teachers, administrators, parents, community and students are engaged in instruction.

2. Our school community must nurture and model mutual respect, diversity, empathy, and positive relationships.

3. Students develop a passion for learning and become independent thinkers and investigators when they have ownership in the learning process by participating in authentic tasks.

4. Curriculum and instructional practices should enrich the social, physical, intellectual, and emotional needs of the learner.

5. Students learn best when they are actively engaged in their own learning through an integrated curriculum and instructional practices that incorporate differences in learning styles, enabling students to make connections.

Book Fair:

Black Mountain Elementary has scheduled two book fairs each year. Our media specialist will provide information about these events during the year. The fall book fair for 2013-2014 has not yet been set. The spring book fair will also be announced at a later date.

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Bookkeeping Procedures:

Phone calls should be for school business only and must be recorded in the notebook in the main office. Please do not make personal calls with this service. Any school related calls within the “expanded area” should be recorded in the logbook. Our staff has indicated that the office should work at interrupting class with less frequency. So, incoming personal calls will not be forwarded to the rooms during the instructional day, unless it is during lunch or a planning period. We will take a message and put it in your box. Calls received before 7:30 a.m. and after 2:40 p.m. will be forwarded to you. Emergency calls will be allowed through.

We will always ask if we can take a message and have you call back when you have a break. If you are expecting an important call, please alert the office so it can be put through. If you have to call a parent because of a sick child, let us know what the message is so we can tell parents what the problem is and not interrupt your class when they call back. If you leave a message for a parent to call back about a discipline problem, please give them a time to call before or after class.

Cell phones should not be used when you are with students . Please set them to stun or turn them off altogether, unless you are not supervising students. When you have a need for a student to call home, please do not have them call on your cell or on their cell You should not be texting while supervising students or in their company. If you have a particular need to do so, please get clearance from Mr. Bossert in advance.

I just attended a school law update : be advised:

Texting – see above. Also do not make or receive phone calls while in direct supervision of students. Some of you use your personal cells to allow students to call home during the school day. Do not do that. If they need to call home, even if it is your wish that they do so, send them to the office or use the land line in your classroom.

Conversations over the phone, apart from some pleasantries, should stay absolutely professional. Do everything you can to be certain that websites you visit at school are beyond reproach in

terms of their content. BE VERYCAREFUL ABOUT TEXT, social networks, etc. Using these fun and useful

online tools can open your private life up to a scrutiny you may find to be problematic in an elementary school community. (i.e. pictures of alcohol use.)

Collection of Monies by Teachers:

This cannot be done unless money is receipted … ever! When a student brings you money, decide if it is school or PTO money. You should have separate receipt books for each. Receipt books will be taken up at the end of the school year and held in the office until after the final audit. Auditors come out from central office yearly to make sure our books are in order. Money and receipt books are due to Mrs. Hillerman by 10:00 a.m. daily. Money will be verified and deposited and then a receipt written to you. Loose change should be sent in a sealed envelope. No money or checks should be left in the classroom overnight.

Writing Receipts:

Make sure you have a piece of cardboard between a duplicate receipt and the next set of numbered receipts, otherwise you will be writing on other receipts as well. Write a receipt for the amount of money received. Make sure to count money before writing a receipt. If lunch money is included, show that amount in parentheses but do not include in the receipt you are writing, as the lunch money will be turned in to the lunchroom. Write on the receipt what money is for. (Ex. Field trips, activity money, etc.)

The original copy of the receipt is given to the student or parent. Do Not Tear Out The Duplicate Receipt! Should you need to re-write a receipt be sure to mark the original receipt VOID. You do need to write out what the money is for on each receipt and mark if it is cash, check, or money order. On the box that shows: ACCT. PAID, and DUE be sure to complete. RECEIPTS MUST BE SIGNED WITH YOUR NAME, NOT INITIALS.

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If a student is due change, we hope that you will be able to take care of that. We are not Wal-Mart down in the office and we are not allowed to keep money every day and normally have no change. We do not have any money to make change. Please make sure checks are made payable to Black Mountain Elementary.

When all receipts are written, count and recount money and make sure it agrees with receipts written before turning it into Mrs. Hillerman. If students bring money in sealed envelopes, please do not send the envelope to the office. PTO money receipts will be done the same as above, except that money will be taken up by a PTO representative and not counted by Mrs. Hillerman. They will return your receipt book to you.

Purchase Orders:

Remember you MUST include sales tax on purchase orders even if the book says not to, the only exception being Weekly Reader. You must also include shipping and freight on each order. Orders being done from a warehouse catalog already have tax and shipping figured in. You just need to write an estimated amount on the order. Orders to Teachers Edition and K-Mart for example, will not have to show freight and shipping as those will be picked up by the individual grade chair or appointed person. Please let Mrs. Hillerman know when the order has been picked up so she can release the blue copy for payment. On other vendors you will need to include sales tax (7.5 %) and the other charges shown in the catalog from which you are ordering. If the charges and/or purchase order are incorrect, the purchase order will be sent back to you for correction. Some companies require pre-payment before sending merchandise. Please make a note of this when sending your purchase order to the office, as that is the only way we will know. If pre-payment is required and you fail to write it on your order the order will be delayed considerably! We have no way of knowing this unless you read each company’s payment requirements.

Field Trips:

Collect money from each student, count it, and write receipts. Bring receipt book and money to Mrs. Hillerman by 10:00 a.m. She will check your receipt book, write you a receipt, deposit money, and write a school check for entrance fee. State law requires that this must be done daily! She also needs a copy of the letter you send home to parents regarding field trips. You must state in the parent letter that funds paid for field trips are non-refundable.

Field trips must be approved at least one month prior to the trip. Only the most extraordinary circumstance will make an exception possible. It is simply too difficult to arrange buses, drivers, etc.

Field trips should only be requested if they relate to the SCoS, or any school improvement goals related to community service. Any exceptions must be approved by Mr. Bossert and must also be on the County Board of Education’s list of approved field trips.

Book Orders : Book order money will not be handled through the school office or PTO. If you choose to do

book orders in your classroom, parents must send a check made payable to the book company. Cash cannot be accepted. It is then the teacher’s responsibility to mail the completed book order and all of the checks.

Reimbursement:

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All purchases for reimbursements must have prior approval by Mr. Bossert, before a check can be issued to you. A reimbursement form can be collected from Mrs. Hillerman. If you don’t get prior

approval, the school will be unable to reimburse you. ASK BEFORE YOU SPEND YOUR OWN MONEY…if you expect to be reimbursed. Purchases for reimbursement must be for school use only. Any personal items on a receipt will void your request! Request for reimbursement must be made at least 2 days in advance.

Instructional Materials:All instructional supplies are to be ordered through the office. Any local purchases made with the

expectation of reimbursement should be pre-approved by the office. Original receipts are necessary for reimbursement – no exceptions will be made! Teachers and assistants are not to sell students instructional supplies or materials.

PLEASE BE AWARE:Money should never be left in your classroom. We ask you to turn in money for deposit by

10:00 a.m. each day. We realize that this may not always be convenient for you, but state law requires all monies collected at school be deposited in the bank by close of business. The auditors always look for this!

Bus Behavior:Review the bus rules (THIS IS REQUIRED BY LAW) listed with your students from time to

time. Accompany students to buses and see that they walk in a calm, orderly manner. This will help set the tone for a safe ride home.

Bus Rules:Students must remain seated, facing the front. Students may not delay the bus schedule. Fighting,

loud talking, horseplay, using profanity, or refusing to obey school authorities or a bus driver while waiting for, riding, or leaving a school bus will not be tolerated. Students may not change seats during the bus trip unless directed to do so by the bus driver. Students must meet the bus at a designated stop and may not get off at any unassigned stop without permission from the office. Vandalism and tampering with buses will not be permitted. A fee will be charged for damages to buses. A student is assigned to a particular bus for insurance purposes and to prevent crowding. He/she must ride the assigned bus unless a request is made from home and is approved in the school office. A written request for a bus change should be sent to the office for approval first thing in the morning. See “Discipline” for rules.

Cafeteria Procedures

All students wishing to pre-pay meals should report to the cafeteria between 7:30 a.m. and 7:55 a.m. on Mondays, prior to reporting to homeroom, or on the first day of the new week, if school is not in session on Monday. Students may pre-pay for breakfast, lunch, and extra milk by the week, month, semester, or year. If a charge is necessary, it must be repaid the next day. “Extras” must be purchased with cash. No extras will be deducted from the student’s lunch account. There can be no exceptions.

Students wishing to purchase breakfast may do so between 7:30 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. All students must leave the cafeteria by 7:50 a.m.

Due to health regulations NO ONE except cafeteria employees are allowed behind the counter in the kitchen.

Please follow these guidelines for the cafeteria:

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Have students ready at scheduled time. (even a short delay can have a domino effect – resulting in long lines and an insufficient amount of time to eat lunch for the classes that follow yours.)

Students will line up in the following manner:Regular lunchSalad

Students need to be instructed in the self-serve procedure: Please dismiss one table at a time to put up trays. Students are to place their empty tray at the dishwashing window. . Stress manners and good eating habits.

Practice procedures for cleaning up after eating.

Be certain that your students know who sweeps and who cleans the table.

Chained DoorsWe cannot have chained or locked doors when we have people in the school building. Make

certain classroom doors are unlocked and paths are kept clear. Exterior doors will be locked after 9:00 a.m. for safe school reasons (except for the main entrance.) Please do not leave any exterior doors open. If you are out at recess, you must still close the door. ALSO … WHEN YOU LEAVE AT THE END OF THE DAY ALWAYS, ALWAYS, LOCK YOUR CLASSROOM DOOR, CLOSE YOUR BLINDS, BE CERTAIN THAT YOUR WINDOWS ARE SHUT, and TURN OFF YOUR LIGHTS .

Character Education

The SUPER Student ProgramThis school year, in cooperation with the Primary School, we will continue to implement our Positive Behavior Supports Program. Look for separate documentation and please read the book Positive Discipline in the Classroom. Implement daily class meetings! I would also remind you that this a daily practice addressed in our continuous improvement plan, so it is expected that every class participate.

Code of Behavior for StaffWe are models for our students in everything we do or say. All staff members are expected to

present themselves with dignity, positive morals, and ethics. Do not underestimate the power of your tone of voice and the weight of every word you use. Remember, when talking to students (and colleagues in the presence of students,) that there is no place for sarcasm (from the Latin – the tearing of flesh), or cynicism, or impolite verbiage…none! Keep conversations with colleagues professional and resolve disputes away from children.

Teachers must attend all grade level and staff meetings and are expected to be on time. All school personnel are required to promote high standards for school safety. All school personnel are charged with the responsibility to support the superintendent and

principals in carrying out the provisions of the Safe School Plan. Name tags should be worn at all times by all staff members. You should be dressed in a professional manner … exceptions can be made for Fridays

when we raise money for Relay for Life. If you are not going to contribute to Relay for Life – do not dress down on Friday or on other occasions. (Many people on our staff have been hurt deeply and personally by the cruelty of cancer. There is not one among us who

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have not been touched by it at some time, in some way. ) Another exception to professional dress would be when one has an activity that requires unusual dress.

All staff are expected to be here on time, and stay as long as necessary to complete one’s duties.

All of us should be certain that students are supervised at all times. This is both a safety and liability requirement of our work as professionals.

Teachers should support their colleagues when there are discipline issues. It is expected, for example, that when a specialist (i.e. – art, music, p.e.) brings a concern to your attention, that you will help reinforce their discipline. It is, likewise expected that colleagues will share concerns with one another. For example, if a student is having a problem in your class (i.e. - had a death in the family, is not feeling well, etc. that you will share this information with any adult who has to work with the student in question, unless to do so would violate confidentiality.) Let’s be a team!

All school personnel are required to report all unsafe activities to the appropriate staff member and to assist in maintaining a safe, secure, and orderly environment.

Collecting Money

All book order, field trip, etc. money needs to be counted, receipted and turned into Mrs. Hillerman by 10:00 a.m.. If you are late and cannot make the 10:00 a.m. deadline, let Mrs. Hillerman know so that she doesn’t get the deposit ready and to the bank without your money. (I know. I know. We wrote about this at length earlier. It’s important!)

ConductAll students at BME are expected to abide by the expectations set forth by the Code of Conduct.

As stated in our Super Positive Behavior Supports program. It is strongly recommended that homeroom teachers and other teachers having teaching and supervisory responsibilities for students, contact parents as soon as possible when conduct problems arise.

Communication: Parent/TeacherParents should be kept well informed in a timely and positive fashion of their child’s progress. In

addition to the report cards, please use notes, phone calls, and required mid-term reports. Make it a habit to call at least five parents a week. (See attached phone log.)

Teachers must send home a monthly classroom newsletter. This may be written by you or as a writing project by your class. They are to be handed in to

ConferencesParent/Teacher conferences are encouraged and should be happen often. A parent/teacher

conference is a two-way exchange of information about a child. The experienced “conferencer” knows that time spent conferring is really time saved because it helps eliminate problems before they occur. At least 3 conferences should be held with the parents of at-risk students. Each teacher should schedule an early fall conference after the first nine weeks of school with each student’s parents. Be positive and constructive in your remarks. Do not schedule a conference to “complain” about a

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student! On the other hand, be objective and open. Do not minimize or gloss over problems of which the parent needs to be aware. Parents will appreciate your bringing this type of information to their attention, if you do so in a caring and respectful manner. The conference should be child-centered. Let the parent see your concern and, together, arrive at some positive measure, which will improve the situation. Follow up! If you have agreed to report to the parent, on a regular basis, for example, then do so.

If a parent requests a conference by checking the report card, contact the parent the day the report card is returned. Communicate with parents frequently by note on the homework log or by telephone. Word all communications carefully. Negative comments should not be written on the log or in a note . If a negative comment is made, it should be held for a parent conference. Most parents want to know early if a problem is developing. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with them. If you bring a problem to my attention, my first question will be, “Have you contacted the parents?”

If there are frequent or serious behavior problems, do not write a note each day—call the parent. Be aware of the tone of a note that may be written in the “heat of the moment,” and cool down before communicating with the parent. There is something about a statement in writing that is final and judgmental. Frequently, parents will reread the statement and not have the opportunity to clarify questions they may have. A phone conversation offers an opportunity to agree on a solution, consequences, and a plan of action.

You will be given a phone communication log. You are expected to call a minimum of five families a week and to log the calls. Your logs may be randomly checked.

SIX SUGGESTIONS FOR A SUCCESSFUL PARENT CONFERENCEThis six-step conference planner should be prepared for each student. Obviously, this is a lot of

work…but it’s work that will make a difference. You’ll find the planning worth the effort. When parents get the information they want and need, we will get the support we need and deserve. Use the Conference Form to plan and implement your conferences. Don’t forget to have parents sign the form and record the conference in your log.

STEP ONE: Subject Areas/Topics Write down the areas/topics that you intend to cover in each conference.

STEP TWO: Major Objectives What’s the basic reason for this conference anyway? What do you hope to accomplish? What do you need to communicate? What do you want to communicate?

STEP THREE: Conference Plan What steps can you follow during the conference to assure that you meet your major

objectives? For example: What questions will you ask? What points will you make? What suggestions will you offer? Will you allow time for parents to ask questions?

STEP FOUR: Materials What materials should be shared with parents? Are they organized in a sequence that will complement your conference plan?

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STEP FIVE: Action Plan How can you wind up the conference with an action orientation? What specific steps, if any, will you recommend? What ways can the parents work with you to improve their child’s education?

STEP SIX: Closure Summarize what has been said during the conference. Tell parents again what you have already told them. End with a friendly “thanks.” Tell them it’s been nice to work with parents who are concerned

about their child.

Keep a record of all conferences on the conference log form found in the “forms” section of your handbook. You should strive to have two parent conferences per year for each student. However, as you all know, some students will require much more contact than that.

Communication: Staff

Administration will make every effort to send out a weekly newsletter with a calendar update for the week. If you want something included, please submit it by the Friday prior to its publication on Monday.

A COMMUNICATIONS NOTE: THIS YEAR, SOME FIRE DRILLS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN ADVANCE … SOME WILL NOT. FIRES ARE NOT CONVENIENTLY TIMED, DRILLS MAY NOT ALWAYS BE CONVENIENT EITHER.

YOU WILL BE GIVEN AN UPDATED SCHOOL SAFETY PROCEDURES HANDBOOK THIS YEAR. (13-14)

COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMITTEES AND GRADE LEVELS

o Committee chairs should keep agenda(s) and minutes for each meeting. Grade level chairs should keep agenda(s) for their meetings and minutes should be copied to each member and administration. On the first day of school, each team shall meet and select their chair. (Specialists, EC, Grade level, TA’s)

o Literacy Team and Math Team will typically meet on one Thursday of the month.

o ALL GRADE LEVEL MINUTES AND COMMITTEE MINUTES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED ASAP AFTER MEETINGS. THESE SHOULD BE SENT OUT THROUGH E-MAIL AS AN ATTACHMENT ONLY … NO PAPER COPIES.

Memos will be distributed for matters that require your immediate attention. When asking for materials or for particular services that involve the students' or your

personal needs, please do so in writing. It is a fact that people ask me things often throughout the day. I do forget things sometimes. (I have heard that some staff do the

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same.) When possible, put your requests on paper. This helps to ensure that I remember to respond. Also, don’t hesitate to remind me of something you may think I forgot. I’ll be grateful that you did.

I’m going to try to be very technically advanced this year and will maintain a Google on-line calendar. It will be shared with the faculty. You will be be able to edut it and send out updates where you have an event to add. That way you won’t need to visit a wall calendar in the office to know what is going on.

Communication: Parent/Teacher/PrincipalParent-teacher-principal communications are critical to maintaining positive working

relationships. Please keep me informed of important issues so that we can all work together in the student's best interest. Any written notices (general) should be turned in to the office before they are sent home. All events that are planned for students should be discussed with me before they are scheduled. IF YOU NEED ME TO ATTEND A PARENT CONFERENCE, YOU SHOULD CLEAR THE DATE AND TIME WITH ME IN ADVANCE. You may want or need our counselor to attend a parent teacher conference, but normally Ms Telfair is only available on Wednesdays and Fridays. So, you are stuck with lil ole me! Seriously though, if you need to have support at a conference … that could be a colleague, Ms Telfair, Ms Sexton, or me! Don’t be reluctant to ask for help.

Confidentiality : You should never fax confidential information . This includes any information from a

child’s cumulative record, grades or scores, promotion, date of birth and intake forms or attendance. If you are in doubt, check with Mr. Bossert. (HIPPA Regulations.)

A child’s picture/name may be placed on a web page, unless a parent objects. Always be careful to make no mistakes in this area.

A step-parent, boyfriend, or grandparent does not have access to confidential student information without the written consent of the legal custodial parent or the courts. If the child has been legally adopted, we do not have to have consent from the natural parent in order for the “natural” or “adoptive” parent to gain access to the confidential information. If a step-parent signs up for a conference, ask the ‘birth’ parent to come with them.

A child’s social security number must be kept confidential. Any time you have to list a child’s social security number, just list the last four digits.

All requests for records must be in writing. There must be an ongoing log of everyone that requests to see records in the cumulative file.

Do not leave messages about a child on a voice mail or answering machine . Only leave your name and number and a request for a call back.

If you have a child from a single parent home, do not let yourself be “drawn” into a discussion about the other parent. We do not want to end up in court, nor do we wish to appear to be taking sides in such disputes.

Be careful about what you say on a cell phone. You never know who is listening to your call. Remember, always be very careful when talking to anyone about a child, other than the

child’s natural parent or legal guardian. If a volunteer or community member questions you, do not share anything with them.

Corporal Punishment:Fah gettaaboutit!

It’s against Board Policy.

Also, be extremely careful when touching children … especially when their behavior is inappropriate.

Remember though, tongue lashings can do even more harm than corporal punishment!

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THERE IS NO PLACE FOR SARCASM IN THIS BUILDING.

CounselingTeachers should fill out the counseling referral form to refer a student for counseling. Forms are

available in the guidance office.

Copyright Laws : Please do not copy copyrighted materials. Teacher manuals should specify if materials can be copied. Videos must be owned by the school or by Buncombe County Schools. Do not bring videos from home since they are sold for home use only.

Cumulative Records:This is a very important part of a teacher’s job because the cumulative record can be very important to the student. The record must be maintained properly. Copies of Attendance Letters from the school office should be included. All sections of the record should be filled out accurately. See “Official Cumulative Record” instructions for detailed information. The “Yearly Cumulative Record Checklist” should be used to make certain each record is complete. Remember the student transfer checklist and a student withdrawal form must be completed for each student transferring. It is your responsibility to maintain updated records.

Every teacher must read all cumulative folders the first two weeks of school. Check all folders for the following:

Use Black Ink only Print only – Do not use cursive Pupil’s correct address (in pencil) Test results Required immunizations – We have lots of folks who check for this. We need you to do the

same. If a violation is noted, notify the NCWISE Secretary. The classroom teacher will send a letter (A copy of the letter is included in this section of your handbook) to the parents indicating the missing immunization and the date the information is needed (30 calendar days). Make a copy of the letter and add to the student’s cumulative record. The classroom teacher is responsible for keeping up with this date and letting the NCWISE secretary know if the information is turned in.

The current teacher should put his/her name and school year on the inside/back of each record.

Be sure you check records out and in to the NCWISE office on the same day. Know who has a special file. (If, after checking permanent records, you find a sheet

indicating there is further information available in another file, check with Special Services teachers and their files.)

Cumulative records are legal state records. All information must be correct! The following should not be included in cumulative records: Personal notes a teacher writes

about a student’s progress, court criminal records, information obtained after a student graduates, psychological tests from any source, or 504 documents..

You have a designated drawer in a filing cabinet in the records room for your cumulative records. Records are not to be kept in the classroom overnight. NEVER TAKE RECORDS OFF CAMPUS! Cumulative records should be returned to the records room in the office when you have finished with them. By keeping them filed in the records room, they are secure and readily available when needed. Students and volunteers should never be asked to work on student records or grades. Student records should be updated as needed during the year. If a parent requests access to a student’s record, please inform the NCWISE secretary. An access log must be signed by anyone other than school personnel reviewing a student’s record. Separate procedures must be followed to access Special Services files. A release of information form must be signed.

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State law on cumulative record access:

Both divorced parents have access to a student’s record unless the courts have denied access to one of the parents.

A step-parent does not have access to a student’s record without the consent of the natural parent. If legal adoption of the student by the step-parent has occurred, consent of the natural parent can be assumed.

The principal may furnish student record information to the courts without parent/guardian or eligible student’s consent when required by judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. For instance, attendance records could be useful to an attorney in a child abuse case. However, the school, in advance of compliance, should notify the parent/guardian or eligible student. The parent/guardian or eligible student has the right to review and challenge the student’s record, prior to compliance.

A record of access, provided by an inspection log, must be kept with, but not part of, each student’s cumulative record. The record is available only to the record custodian, parent/guardian, eligible student, or referral/state/local official and is maintained as long as educational records are maintained.

Although access rights transfer from the parent/guardian to the student when the student reaches 18 years of age or attends an institution of post-secondary education, it is permissible to allow the parent/guardian to continue access privileges if the student is not available and requests student information.

If you have any questions concerning records, please ask Mrs. Boyle or me.

Curriculum:

The Common Core and Essential Standards. You should have a copy of these documents. You should also have copies of County pacing guides. These pacing guides, along with our curriculum maps should have a major impact on your instructional planning. Remember, we are a team. If you are having trouble following those guides; work with your team mates, Ms Jennings, or me to help. It is not a sign of weakness or incompetence to ask for help. It is a sign of intelligence. For needed updates, please be sure to let our curriculum specialist help.

Please see “Lesson Plans” for further information and expectations.

Committees / Responsibilities:

Many of the functions of the school will be dealt within the committees listed. Below is a list of the current committees and their focus. Committee assignments beyond the chairs will be made available to you

1. Media / Technology Committee - Chair Teresa Spring

Budget Materials advisory group Textbook selection Technology plan Media plans Telecommunications Accelerated Reader SACS components 2. Literacy Team - Chair Ruth Shivers

Vertical Alignment Development of Common Assessments Pacing Guide review Modeling Best Practices Sharing Best Practices

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2. Math Leadership Team - Chair Carrie Lynch

Vertical Alignment Development of Common Assessments Pacing Guide review Modeling Best Practices Sharing Best Practices Develop a weekly principal’s problem

3. TIPS Ruth Shivers/Jessica Telfair The committee will be responsible for:

Discussion of intervention strategies Support team for classroom teacher Liaison between classroom and special-services

4. School Climate Chair Michele Welsh The committee will be responsible for:

Hospitality/Sunshine committee Parent education Awards day School calendar Field day School-wide celebrations Holiday celebrations Faculty/Staff Recognition American Education Week Any other special program within the school Publicity - contacting local media to publicize school events

5. School Improvement - Chair: Jessica Marshall

The committee will be responsible for: School Improvement Plan and reports School safety and crisis plan School – wide communication to channel issues and concerns School policies Team building Coordinate staff development

6. Staff Development - Chair – Ruth Shivers

7. GRADE 5 CHAIR Chair - 8. GRADE 4 CHAIR Chair – 9. PBS Chair – Brandon Hudson / Amanda Ogle

10. Special Ed Team Chair – Jan Diefenbach 11. Specialist’s Team Chair - Teresa Spring 12. PAT – Principal’s Advisory Team Grade / Department Chairs

Daily Schedules:

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Please prepare a daily schedule for Mr. Bossert (within the first 10 days of school). Should your schedule change you should provide a corrected schedule to the office. A copy of your schedule should be placed in your plan book and substitute teacher folder. It should be posted at your door. It should be posted daily in your classroom. Let the office know of changes in your schedule … especially if you are going to be out of your room.

Detention : After school

A teacher may require a student to remain after school as punishment for inappropriate behavior. Parents should be notified at least one day in advance and the teacher is responsible for student supervision. Administration was able to institute after school detention, but used it very sparingly as it creates a real hardship for office staff.

Devotions:By law we are not to have prayer in the classroom or in any activity where students have to be in attendance.

Discipline:It is the responsibility of the teacher to maintain order and to establish effective discipline within his/her classroom. Discipline is to be founded upon MUTUAL RESPECT, FAIRNESS, AND CONSISTENCY. Use your Class Meetings to teach the standards established in our PBS – Super Student program. Use your Wheel of Choice. The Wheel of Choice should be built anew each school year, using student input. Sending a child to the office should be a last resort. We want to keep your children in your classroom. We want your children to see you as the source of authority in your classroom.

Please work with your students to establish classroom rules and procedures during the first days of school. Spend the necessary time during the first week of school to clearly define your expectations with your students. Have them practice good behavior. This is not wasted time! It is time invested in creating a safe and orderly climate conducive to learning.

Though every classroom’s culture may be different, the rules for conduct from room to room ought to look pretty similar because of our school-wide positive behavior plan. Classroom rules should be posted almost immediately. The school wide Code of Conduct should also be posted . Your classroom discipline plan should be a reflection of the PBS program. Submit a copy of your discipline plan by the second week of September . Specialists should also submit discipline plans at that time. When students are being taught by a specialist, the specialist is responsible for the discipline. Specialist and Classroom teachers may (and are encouraged to) collaborate to find solutions for ongoing discipline issues. If a student needs to be removed from a special class after the discipline plan has been followed, he/she should be sent to the office. Call the office if a child needs to be escorted. A discipline referral should follow the child, asap.

Please plan to meet as a grade level during the first days of school to determine consistent ways of dealing with all children. Avoid whole class punishment . Avoid starting a student’s day with punishment. Find a variety of solutions to problems. I encourage you to help each other in certain isolation situations. Do not put students in the hallwayThe courts have made it clear that doing so could result in liability issues for you, me, and our County.

You cannot adequately supervise students in the halls. If a child’s behavior requires removal from the classroom, send that child to the office. OR, call the office to escort the child to the office.

I will not normally discipline a child until I have a discipline note or an explanation from an adult as to why the child has been sent to the office.

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For your class to be successful – you need to start the year, from day 1, with the establishment of strong routines and procedures. Be consistent! Be even handed! Be reliable!

Be positive and consistent in your approach.

A student may be sent to the office after you have exhausted the discipline plan within your classroom. I will support you in every way possible. When a child is sent to the principal's office, they should have a discipline referral with them. I will send a copy of this form back to you, one to the parent, and keep one on file in the office. The parent notification should be signed and returned to the office the next day. If after 3 days it hasn't been returned, a copy will be mailed to the parent.

A copy of the Bus Discipline Plan and School Wide Code of Conduct follows:

Good Discipline is essential for learning to take place. No student has the right to keep the teacher from teaching or other students from learning.

Code of ConductRefer to the attached Positive Behavior and Intervention Program …

Discipline Plan

General Rules and Expectations for Students

EXPECTATIONS:

1. Students are expected to follow established classroom discipline plans.2. Students will demonstrate responsibility and self-discipline.3. Students are expected to move around the campus in an orderly manner and remain in designated

areas.4. Students are expected to be respectful to all other students and adults.5. Adults are expected to be respectful to students and colleagues.6. Students will have the opportunity to learn without interference from others.

GENERAL RULES: 1. Keep hands, feet, and all objects to yourself.2. Fighting and mean or profane language are not allowed.3. Knives, firearms, lighters, fireworks or any object which could inflict bodily injury are not

permitted. 4. Students must refrain from damaging school property. Students/parents will be responsible for

repairs, clean up, and/or replacement costs.5. Students may not leave campus early unless signed out by parent/guardian.6. Students are not allowed to possess or smoke, dip, or chew tobacco products.7. Toys, radios, cell phones, mp3 players, tape players, gameboys, and other electronic devices are

not allowed at school unless they are requested by the teacher for a special activity. Unrequested items can be confiscated.

8. Classes are to move quietly through the hallway on the right side in a single file. Running or pushing is not allowed in the building. Hands and feet are to be kept off the walls.

9. Students will follow directions from school staff members.10. Students may not sell products on the bus or school campus.

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Consequences may result if classroom rules or the code of conduct is not followed. The consequence is determined by the severity of the infraction and the number of times the student has been referred to administration for prior issues.

Discipline will be tailored to the nature of the misbehavior and the unique needs of each individual child.

BUS RULES:

1. Students must remain seated and facing the front of the bus at all times.

2. Students may not delay the bus schedule. They should be at the designated stop five minutes prior to scheduled time.

3. Fighting, smoking, eating, drinking, loud talking, horseplay, selling items, using profanity, or refusing to obey school authorities or a bus driver while waiting for, riding, or leaving a school bus will not be tolerated.

4. Students may not change seats during the bus trip unless directed to do so by the bus driver.

5. Students must meet the bus at the designated stop and may not get off at any unassigned stop without permission from the office.

6. Vandalism and tampering with buses will not be permitted. A fee will be charged for damages to buses.

7. Students may not be under the influence or have in their possession alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs.

8. Radios, tape players, or electronic games/toys are not allowed on the bus.

9. Playing, throwing trash, paper or other objects, or otherwise distracting the driver’s attention will not be tolerated.

10. Bus riders are expected to be well behaved at all times.

Failure to follow bus rules will be reported to the school office and may result in parent notification, written punishment, an assigned seat, or bus suspension, depending on the severity of the problem and the student’s placement on the school’s Bus Discipline Plan.

BUS DISCIPLINE PLAN

Step 1: Warning #1 – Given by the bus driver. Driver explains the rule to the student.Step 2: Warning #2 – Bus driver moves student to an assigned seat.Step 3: Warning #3 – Visit to the school administration. The principal will go over the bus rules and will notify parents with a written letter or telephone call.Step 4: 1 - DAY BUS SUSPENSIONStep 5: 3 - DAY BUS SUSPENSIONStep 6: 5 - DAY BUS SUSPENSIONStep 7: 10 - DAY BUS SUSPENSIONStep 8: BUS SUSPENSION FOR REMAINDER OF THE SEMESTER.Step 9: Bus suspension for the remainder of the school year.

Note:1. Bus suspension will begin the day following student notification.2. The administration reserves the right to alter the bus discipline plan based on extenuating

circumstances and/or severity of the offense.3. Severe disruptions, i.e., fighting, weapons, etc. can result in an immediate suspension from the

bus.

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Dress Code (mentioned earlier.)

Staff: Staff should come to work dressed professionally. The image of our school is very important to all of us. I realize that this is subjective, but if I have a concern, I will speak with you directly.We will have designated dress down Fridays at our school to benefit The American Cancer Society/Relay For Life. We may have special spirit days that would also be an exception to our dress policy.

Students: Shoes are a must. No short shorts (they should be fingertip length when standing with arms at sides), halter tops, or baggy pants. Stress good health habits and cleanliness. Review student handbook. Items of clothing that are vulgar or in poor taste should not be worn to school. Hats may not be worn by either gender unless it is dress up, picture day, or for a school spirit event. Please make sure that you enforce this hat policy! Even head coverings for girls should not be worn. If there is a religious reason that compels a student to keep their head covered … that is, of course, alright. Help your other students to understand this. Students should wear shorts that fall at their fingertips when standing upright and shirts that cover their abdomen and should be modest. Encourage students to wear clothing that allows them to participate fully in P.E.

Duties of Staff Members:

Article 17, Section 4 of Chapter 115 of the General Statutes: It shall be the duty of all teachers to maintain good order and discipline in their respective schools, to encourage temperance, morality, industry, neatness, promote health for all pupils. Section IV (a3) of the Buncombe County Safe School Plan reads as follows: “All personnel are charged with the responsibility to support the superintendent and principals in carrying out the provisions of the Safe School Plan. All school personnel are required to report all unsafe activities to their immediate supervisor and to assist in maintaining a safe, secure, and orderly school environment to include assisting in restoring order in the event of serious disorder.”

Early Dismissal:

If it is necessary for a student to leave school early, he/she must have a written excuse from home. Each time a student leaves school early, it will count the same as a tardy. Five early releases or tardies are equal to an absence. Send these excuses with our attendance report. A teacher may not excuse a student unless you receive permission from the office.

Because we have many students from families engaged in battles over custody of the children, we have to be aware of our legal responsibilities in this matter. Though addressed earlier in this handbook, if you have questions, ask me. I am well informed regarding legal matters, but if I am unable to answer a question, T have resources that I can call. Any phone calls made by students should be made from the office with permission from the office staff. Teachers and assistants please do not call home for a sick student unless you notify the office. Many times parents return your call and the office staff does not know that you have called. Communication is a two way street. Though I have responsibilities to improve in this area, I also need you to communicate with me.

Custody papers must be on file in the office if a parent states the child is not to leave with the other parent. Please stress this to the parents. We cannot keep a parent from taking a child unless we have legal papers prohibiting one parent or the other from taking the child.. Please discuss this with parents in your initial conference, or when this comes up in conversation. If you need me to join you, I will be happy to explain the law regarding custody to the parent. When you are aware of a custody situation, please make certain that parents understand our limitations due to the law. Make sure you notify the office of any restraining orders.

Early/Late Duty Procedures:

The staff members on duty each day are responsible for supervising the loading and unloading of bus and car students each morning and afternoon and for supervising the cafeteria. The principal will be alternating between bus and car rider areas. During the morning arrival of students, two persons should be

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stationed at the side walk/ unloading area to supervise the arrival of car students. The monitors should direct traffic so that several cars can unload at the same time. One staff member will be on cafeteria duty and will supervise students at breakfast and see that students are out of the cafeteria by 7:50 a.m.

Remember:

1. The building is not accessible to students before 7:15 a.m. Car rider students should enter through the back doors and bus riders enter through the front doors.

2. Students should report to their classroom or immediately go to breakfast at 7:30.

In the days immediately before winter vacation and the end of the school year, staff members may be assigned to ride buses to monitor student behavior and reduce the chance of misbehavior or accidents.

Emergency Closing of School:

Make sure you have emergency dismissal information for each child! Encourage parents to plan for emergencies so that phone calls are not necessary.

Emergency Drills:

We are required by law to have a fire drill during the first five days of school. A fire drill will include all pupils and school personnel. Fire drills will be held monthly during the school year. Teachers should take a roll book and make certain all students are accounted for. There will be an emergency evacuation plan posted in each room. Please make sure your students know where to go and what to do during a fire drill. NO RUNNING!

Other safety drills will be held during the year. We will have one hard lock down, one perimeter lock down, one tornado drill, one bomb/building evacuation drill. Evacuation of the building will follow exit guide for fire drills; however, procedures may be different. Teachers will need to familiarize themselves with Black Mountain Elementary Emergency Plan (hanging on the wall of every classroom) and leave information for substitutes in substitute folders. This year (13-14) you will be given a hard copy of our County/School Safety Plan excerpted from our County plan. It will be reviewed at our first faculty meeting.

Exclusion, Dismissal, and Suspension:

Dismissal or suspension of students will be the responsibility of the principal with notification to the superintendent.

Excusing Students:

We are fully responsible for students while they are at school. Notes sent for early dismissal or changes in transportation are to be sent to the office.

Faculty Meetings/ Grade Level Meetings:

Please reserve Thursdays for our staff meetings. Other meetings will be called if needed, but I will try to give you plenty of notice. Try to make other arrangements for your own children on faculty meeting days.

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It is my expectation that every staff member attend at least one PTA Board meeting per semester.

Grade level meetings are to be held once a week for Fourth grade and Fifth grade. Please make sure that minutes are maintained and recorded for all team meetings and distributed to all staff members. Think of your grade level meetings as mini-workshops.

Good plans ensure the best use of time for our students. I expect teachers to plan together for several reasons:

All students should have the same background information so when classes are mixed the next year all students will have equal opportunity for success.

Sharing common information will save time and help make all of us better teachers. It also brings us closer together as a team.

We need to share strategies that work, as well as those things that do not work. We all need support at some time and common planning provides support. Brief long range planning will provide support to other curriculum teachers in their efforts to

integrate their programs with your curriculum.

Field Trips:

Field trips can be valuable and an important part of our educational program. Do not plan “expensive ventures”. Parent frustration over field trip cost creates poor public relations and can be embarrassing for the student. Before plans are made with students, obtain facts and know the law! Please use the field trip check off form to assist you. Plan early as a grade level! The field trip must be directly related to the Standard Course of Study.

Remember:

1. Trips must be well planned.2. Orient students before and follow-up after the trip. Information should be given to students as to

what to look for, etc.3. Trips should be in conjunction with your lesson plans and tied to our Common Core and Essential

Standards Curriculum.4. Permission slip must be signed by parent and slips left in the school office prior to a trip.5. Bus transportation must be used. It is very important to have the office secure the buses very early

in August. Be certain to submit transportation requests in a timely fashion. 6. A chaperone for every ten (10) students is strongly recommended. (Parent volunteers may be

used.)7. Where possible, all students in a grade should go together.8. Cafeteria will prepare food for students and faculty at regular price. Cafeteria Manager must have

a minimum two (2) week notice from teachers.9. Field trip should terminate in time for students to ride the regular bus home.10. Safety must be number one!11. Good grooming, manners, courtesy should be a part of any field trip. Remind every student that

they represent Black Mountain Elementary!12. No side trips, unless part of approved plan. 13. If some students of a group are not taking the trip, plans must be made for them here at school.14. All students must be accounted for at all times.15. Inform parents that funds paid for field trips are non-refundable.16. If a particular child cannot afford to pay for their trip, please notify the office so arrangements can

be made. Under no circumstances should a child be excluded from a trip because of inability to pay.

17. Parents cannot ride the bus, unless it is a bus which we hire (as with Young Transportation.) They must follow in their personal car.

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Permission Slips:

Letters to parents must be sent home in plenty of time to get permission back before the day of the trip. Letters should inform parents of the date, time, place, departure time, return time, lunch plans, and how the trip correlates to your curriculum.

No child will be permitted on a field trip without a signed permission slip.

Make sure you have all permission slips with you on the trip. The approved Buncombe County form must be used.

You need to check with the office about medicine that will need to be given on your trip.

As soon as the field trip is scheduled, you must notify the lunchroom so that food orders can be placed.

Please check with your driver about their lunch needs. If the driver wants a school lunch, it should be added to your count. It is the driver’s responsibility to pay for his /her lunch.

The coolers must be returned to the cafeteria at the end of the field trip. Make sure all left over milk and juice is placed in the cafeteria milk box. Empty the remaining ice in the sink. Leave the cooler (opened) on the sink board to dry.

Medication:

If you have a child who is currently on medication, which is dispensed in the office, check with the office the morning of the trip to get the dosage for the trip. They will supply you with an envelope to put the medication in. You will need to sign the medication log for that day. If you have children who have inhalers or bee sting kits, be sure to take those along also. If you fail to administer the meds on the field trip, teachers will have to fill out a medication variance form stating why the meds were not administered. Teachers will also have to notify the parents.

Grade Book:

All classroom teachers will be trained in the use of our new Home Base grade book this year. Plan on using this tool for reporting grades. You have all completed the Pearson training program.

Classroom Mothers/Fathers:

Please make sure our building is open and inviting to all parents. Select classroom parents. No parent should be listed unless he/she has agreed to serve. Remember to be careful not to make student/parents feel uncomfortable if they cannot contribute to a special project.

Grade Cards:

Grade cards for grades 4 and 5 can be obtained in the office. All graded subjects except music, art and PE should be recorded.

Grading System:

Grades will be issued each nine (9) weeks. Grades should be based on many factors, such as textbook assignments, oral and written assignments, class participation, special assignments, research, activities of various types and special contributions.

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Midterm reports will be sent to all students, so that parent and student have time to make adjustments necessary to improve grades.. Please give Mr. Bossert a copy of the midterm reports of concern each nine weeks before they go home. There must be a record that reveals how the teacher arrived at the evaluation, including class participation, if applicable.

GRADE 5 TEACHERS MUST PUBLISH THEIR STANDARDS FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.

Where possible I will review report cards. BUT … you have an obligation to tell me if you are sending home report cards or progress reports that might have a parent call me with concerns. Forewarned is forearmed, so to speak.

Fourth and Fifth :

Unless otherwise indicated, students will receive a letter grade in the areas of Reading, Communication Skills, Mathematics, Science/Health, Social Studies. All students participate in Art, Music, and Physical Education. If a student is not meeting expectations in these areas, parents will be notified. For resource students only, a pound sign (#) indicates special classes and that the students’ grade in the subject area is based on below grade level standards. For these students, a special sticker must be placed on report cards each nine week grading period. Fourth and fifth grade teachers will use the following grading scale:

Grades on report cards should reflect each student’s unassisted independent work level, unless special circumstances have been approved by the principal. Grades should be an honest and frank representation of each child’s accomplishments. They will be used as part of the students’ portfolio if sent to a review panel.

Work habits are assessed as follows:

A = Superior Work + = Exceeds expectationsB = Above Average Check = Meets expectationsC = Average N = Needs ImprovementD = Below AverageF = Failure

Grievance Procedure:

It is hoped that you can resolve most problems that occur by informally talking with the other people responsible before morale or relationships are damaged. If not, you should discuss the situation with the principal. If your problem is not solved at that level, you may file a grievance. This grievance procedure shall apply to complaints of an employee of the school system connected with or arising out of conditions of work or disciplinary actions affecting the employee.

Grievance Procedure for Teachers InBuncombe County Public Schools

Purpose

Frequently, teachers have occasion to make suggestions or recommendations dealing with factors involved in the teacher-learning situation for which they are responsible. There may also be instances in which a teacher or group of teachers feels that a legitimate grievance or problem exists. If problems do occur, a sincere effort by all persons concerned to work cooperatively toward constructive solutions may well result in improvements in both the teacher-administrator relationship and personnel morale. The purpose of the following procedures, therefore, is to inform aggrieved parties of the channels through which criticism and complaints may be directed, as well as to secure, at the lowest possible administrative level, equitable solutions to problems within the school system.

Definition of “Grievance”

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A grievance shall mean “A claim by a teacher that a dispute or disagreement exists involving interpretation or application of an existing rule, policy, or practice, or that a teacher has been treated inequitably, or that there exists a condition which jeopardized the teacher’s health or safety.”

Informal Procedure

If a teacher feels that he/she has a grievance, he/she shall first discuss the matter with his/her principal in an effort to resolve the problem informally. Consultation may be held with any person or persons who can help solve the grievance.

Formal Procedure

1. Level One -- School Principal

If the teacher is not satisfied with the outcome of the informal procedure, he/she shall present the grievance formally in writing to his/her principal.

The teacher shall request a conference prior to the rendering of a decision. The teacher shall discuss the grievance personally or request that the association’s representative accompanying him/her assist the teacher in presenting his/her grievance.

The principal, within five (5) days after receipt of the grievance, shall render a written decision to the aggrieved person.

2. Level Two – The Superintendent

If the teacher is not satisfied with the decision concerning his/her grievance at level one, he/she shall, within five (5) days after the decision is rendered, file his/her grievance with the superintendent.

The superintendent of schools, within ten (10) days from the receipt of the written grievance, shall meet with the teacher and his/her representative for the purpose of resolving the grievance or problem. Either party may call witnesses to help resolve the matter. The superintendent’s decision in the matter shall be written and copies shall be given to the aggrieved person and the principal involved within five (5) days following this meeting. If the superintendent chooses not to act within five (5) days, the grievance shall be considered adjudicated in favor of the teacher.

3. Level Three – The School Board

If the teacher is not satisfied with the decision rendered at level two, he/she may, within five (5) days, appeal in writing to the chairman of the Buncombe County Board of Education that his/her grievance be submitted to arbitration.

The chairman of the Buncombe County Board of Education shall appoint a member of the board to chair a committee composed of three arbitrators to consider this appeal. The second member of this committee shall be selected by the Buncombe County unit of the North Carolina Association of Educators. This person must be a teacher employed by this unit in a non-administrative capacity. These two committee appointees shall jointly select a third impartial member. The preceding appointments and selections shall be completed within ten (10) days of the receipt, by the board chairman, of the teacher’s appeal.

Within five (5) days after referral to the arbitration committee, the committee shall meet at the call of its chairman and upon reasonable actual notice to all persons involved. The written record developed shall be reviewed and the involved persons shall be given the opportunity to present supportive evidence, including oral testimony. The hearing shall be conducted within the spirit and rules of impartial arbitration.

The committee, within five (5) days of the last hearing, shall present to the aggrieved person and administrators involved a written statement of its recommendations in the matter, a copy of which shall be delivered to the chairman of the Buncombe County Board of Education.

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If the teacher involved disagrees with the recommendation of the committee, he/she may appeal, in writing, within five (5) days of receipt of the recommendation to the chairman of the Buncombe County Board of Education. The matter shall then be placed on the agenda for the next regular meeting of the board, provided that the appeal is received by the chairman prior to making the agenda for the next regular board meeting. Resolution of the matter will be made in executive session at the regular meeting.

Guidelines

All sessions held in connection with the processing of grievances, including arbitration, shall be in closed sessions and no news release shall be made.

Reprisals shall not be taken against any teacher, any party of interest, any association representative, or any other participant in the grievance procedure by reason of such participation.

If a grievance affects a group of teachers from more than one school, the association may submit such grievance in writing directly to the superintendent’s office, and the processing of such grievance may be commenced at level two.

A teacher with a grievance may be represented at all levels of the formal grievance procedure by a recognized member of the professional rights and responsibilities committee of the association. At least one association representative shall be present for any meetings, hearings, appeals, or other proceedings relating to a grievance which has been formally presented.

Decisions at all levels of the formal procedure will be in writing, setting forth the decisions and reasons therefore, and will be transmitted promptly to all parties involved.

The term day as used in this procedure shall mean “any day, Monday through Friday, exclusive of legal and board-declared holidays as identified by the official school calendar.”

All written and printed matter dealing with the processing of a grievance will be filed separately and away from the central office personnel files of the participants.

The Board of Education agrees to make available to the aggrieved person and his/her representative all pertinent information, not privileged under law, in its possession or control, which is relevant to the issues raised by the grievance.

When it is necessary, at any level, for persons to be at a hearing to expedite the processing of a grievance, they shall be released from school without loss of pay for such time as their attendance is required at such meetings or hearings.

No grievance shall be recognized by the board or the association unless it shall have been presented to the appropriate level within thirty (30) school days after the aggrieved person knew, or should have known, of the act of condition on which the grievance is based.

A grievance may be withdrawn at any level and cannot be reopened. Failure by the teacher, at any level, to appeal a grievance to the next level within the specified time

limits herein shall be deemed to be acceptance of the decision rendered at that level. In the absence of the superintendent, the administrator designated as acting superintendent may act in

the place of the superintendent. Since it is important that grievances be processed as rapidly as possible, the number of days indicated

at each level should be considered as a maximum, and every effort should be made to expedite the process. The time limits specified may be extended by mutual agreement.

If a grievance is filed which might not be finally resolved at level three, under the time limits set forth herein prior to the end of the school year, and which is left unresolved until the beginning of the following school year, could result in irreparable harm to a party or parties of interest, the time limits set forth shall be reduced so that the grievance procedure may be concluded prior to the end of the school year or as soon as possible thereafter.

If the aggrieved person or persons fail to follow the appropriate steps as outlined in the procedure, they forfeit all rights to the use of this grievance process.

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Health Record – Student’s Permanent Health Record (Salmon card to be placed in health folder)

The purpose of the permanent health record is to insure continuity of care for students and to provide legal documentation of services rendered. The health record contains pertinent data concerning the student throughout his/her school career. Health cards are updated each year during health fair. See the School Nurse, Kim Allen, or call her voice mail at 250-6320, if you have any questions regarding the following information:

Information in the record includes, but is not limited to the following:

a. The students health status at the time of school enrollment or transfer, including immunizations;b. Results of screening evaluations, identified health problems, and plan(s) for nursing care or other

intervention(s);c. Documentation of teacher/nurse conferences and referrals for health care;d. Documentation of referrals for health care;e. Documented outcomes including results of services rendered by referral sources;f. Documentation of parent/guardian conferences or contacts.

Notations on the record should be made immediately after services are given. All entries must be made in ink or typed, (except where “in pencil” is noted) with no erasures, and signed by the person providing the service. Lining through the error and writing the correction above makes corrections.

The permanent health record is a legal document, maintained jointly by school and designated health personnel, and is guaranteed the same safeguards of confidentiality as all other student records as specified by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. The permanent health record should be available to parents and all school and medical personnel with a legitimate need for the information.

All health cards must be checked during the first five days of school. Students not in compliance should be reported to the Principal by the 5 th student day so that proper parent notification is sent. Transfer students should be checked as soon as records are available and those not in compliance reported to the principal promptly.

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL DATAPersonal data includes the student’s name (last name, first name, middle name, and nickname); birth date (month, day and year, as listed on student’s birth certificate); sex; race; parent or guardian’s name; mailing address; and telephone numbers for home and work. NCWISE number should be written in upper right hand corner of card. Data subject to change (e.g., address, telephone numbers) should be recorded in pencil.

SECTION 2 – HEALTH STATUS DATASignificant health problems such as developmental or physical disabilities, seizure disorders, allergies, and diabetes should be listed in this section. Health problems of a more transitory nature should be included under Section II – Narrative Notes.

SECTION 3 – VISION SCREENINGVision screening should be provided by nurses, volunteers or school personnel who have completed an approved in-service training program. Screening for visual acuity should be completed for far and near vision, with right, left, and both eyes. The examiner should record screening results, date of screening, if the screening was conducted with or without glasses, and comments pertinent to screening results. Color vision and muscle balance should also be included and results recorded in the comments section.

SECTION 4 – HEARING SCREENING

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Hearing screening may be conducted by physicians licensed to practice medicine, physician’s assistants, certified nurse practitioners, or public health nurses meeting the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Standards for Early Periodic screening, Diagnosis and Treatment, or by local school personnel licensed to perform these screenings (e.g., licensed audiologists). Pure tone screening usually includes sweep screening at 20dB and at frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000, using a pure tone audiometer. Impedance screening is administered on an as needed basis.

SECTION 5 – SCOLIOSIS SCREENINGScreening for scoliosis should be performed on girls (not boys) in 6 th grade, on boys and girls in 8th grade, and for all children suspected of having this condition for whom parental permission has been obtained. Screening may be conducted by specially trained school personnel, school personnel, school nurses, physical therapists, and/or public health nurses, using the Forward Bending Test.

SECTION 6 – BLOOD PRESSURERecord systolic pressure as the first clear tapping sound. For children 5-12 years old, use muffled sounds (Korotkoff IV) as the diastolic pressure. For 13-18 year olds, record the disappearance of sounds (phase V) as the diastolic. If both are heard, record both (e.g., 100/70/65).

SECTION 7 – DENTAL SCREENINGDental screening may be conducted by a dentist and other appropriately prepared health professionals (e.g., dental hygienists, nurses). Date of screening; results of screening related to dental caries, periodontal disease, malocclusion and comments pertinent to the management of screening results should be recorded by the examiner.

SECTION 8 - SPECIAL HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS Modification/adaptation of environment, activities, or other considerations that may affect the student’s physical or mental health or performance in school should be identified. These include, but are not limited to, medications, emergency medical plans, health action plans, hearing aids, and orthopedic aids/braces. Medication authorization forms and plans for medical care must be signed by a physician and parent, and attached to the permanent health record.

SECTION 9 – IMMUNIZATIONSG.S. 130A – 152 requires that every child be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, poliomyelitis, red measles (rubeola), mumps, rubella; additionally, as determined by the Public Health Commission, every child must be immunized against Haemophilus influenzae type b and hepatitis B. S. 130A – 155 requires the parent, guardian, or responsible person to present a certificate of immunization on the child’s first day of attendance at school. If a certificate is not presented, the parent, guardian or responsible person is allowed 30 calendar days from the first day to obtain the required immunizations. If the administration of vaccine in a series of doses given at medically approved intervals requires a period in excess of 30 days, additional days may be allowed to obtain the immunizations. Upon termination of 30 days or the extended period, the principal shall not permit the child to attend school until the required immunization(s) have been obtained. Religious or medical exemptions from this law require that a statement be on file at school in the student’s cumulative record. A medical doctor must write the medical exemption. School personnel transferring data from the immunization certificate to the student’s permanent health record should sign the form in the space provided.

HOMEWORK:

The term homework refers to an assignment to be prepared during a period of supervised study in class or outside of class or which requires individual work at home. The purposes of homework are to improve the learning processes, to aid in the mastery of skills, and to create and stimulate interest on the part of the pupil.

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Homework is a learning activity, which should increase in complexity with the maturity of the pupil. With increased maturity, learning should become a more independent activity. This should be established through consistent assignments, which encourage students to investigate for themselves and to work independently as well as with others. Teachers should make meaningful assignments. The information for any homework assignment should be clear and specific so that the pupil can complete the assignment.

Homework assignments should be consistent in terms of the amount given each day, Monday through Thursday, and the time required for each assignment, so that the teacher and the student can establish a pattern of meaningful homework. Homework assignments should take into consideration individual differences of pupils such as health, ability, conditions at home, and educational resources at home. Homework should not require the use of reference materials not readily available in most homes, school libraries, or the public library, and should require the use of those materials only when the pupil has had instruction in the use of them.

There are many other learning activities in the life of a student besides homework, such as participating in after school activities, teachers should consider pursuing cultural interests, participating in family living and exploring personal interests when planning assignments.

Homework is not to be used as a form of punishment under any circumstances.

List homework given daily on your weekly plans.

Honor Roll :

Following the close of each nine-week grading period, students who have made A or B in all graded subjects will be recognized at an assembly (Bulletin board, certificates, announcement recognition, an Awards assembly, etc.) Students must also be making satisfactory progress in all specialty areas and meet or exceed expectations in work habits.

Housekeeping:

If a note is left in your mailbox asking you to clean your room. Please do so a.s.a.p. When you start the year your carpet and tile floor will be cleaned and/or waxed. Our custodians work hard to keep our facility nice. We help teach students school pride and respect for public property by teaching them to help care for our campus. You are not expected to wash windows or to mop the floor, but you certainly have a responsibility to help keep your room clean and attractive. The dusting job, by necessity, must be yours- windowsills, storage space, and furniture, please be certain to keep your room dusted and floors clear.

If you have classroom pets, it is your responsibility to take care of them and clean up after them on a daily basis. Teaching students to help with your housekeeping duties is a valuable part of their educational program.

Please do not inform a custodian that your room does not need to be vacuumed on any given day. Unless we are critically short of custodial staff I expect all rooms to be vacuumed daily.

Care of School Property:

Public School Law 115-149 “Care of School Building.” “It shall be the duty of every teacher and principal in charge of school buildings to instruct the children in the proper care of public property, and it is their duty to exercise due care in the protection of school property against damage, either by defacement of the walls and doors or any breakage on the part of the pupils, and if they shall fail to exercise a reasonable care in the protection of property during the day, they may be held financially responsible for all such damage, and if the damage is due to carelessness or negligence on the part of the teachers or principal, the superintendent may hold those in charge of the building responsible for the damage, and if it is not repaired before the close of the term, a sufficient amount may be deducted from their vouchers to repair the damage for which they are responsible. If any child in school shall carelessly or willfully damage school property, the teacher or principal shall report the offense to the superintendent of schools. It shall be the duty of all

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principals to report immediately to their respective superintendents any unsanitary condition, damage to school property, or needed repairs.”

Additionally, teachers should schedule time for students to be involved in outside campus cleanup. Ask your students, and MODEL for them, to pick up trash on an as needed basis.

Allow time each day for students to put areas in order. Designate a student to check cubbies and coat racks. It is imperative that all bookbags, coats, etc. are

kept off the floor and taken home each day. Check sink and counter tops daily. Do not accumulate materials on top. Custodians must be able to

clean each day. Discuss the use of the bathroom. Please stress hand washing. Make a big deal out of flushing and

placing towels in the garbage cans. Wash desktops once a week. Spray cleaner and rags are available for this purpose. Check with Mr.

Weatherford for these supplies. Encourage students to pick up trash, flush toilets, keep paper clips and staples off of the floor and keep

personal property in desks and cubbies neat and orderly. Encourage students to be careful when having snacks in the classroom. Remember: food must be

stored in sealed containers and please avoid creating stains on our carpet! Your cooperation with this project will be appreciated. If you need help, please notify the office and

help will be forthcoming. Housekeeping is a duty of staff and students. We have a nice facility and it will show up quickly if we do not work extremely hard in this area!

Tape should not be placed on wall to wall carpets or tile floors. Tape residue causes real problems on carpet where it attracts and holds dirt and is virtually impossible to remove. You should not drive nails or screws into the walls unless first checking with Mr. Bossert or Mr. Snyder! No student is to use the dumpster! If you have a custodial problem, put it in writing to the principal with your signature. Emergencies will be handled as soon as the office contacts the custodian. .

Please note that we are inspected regularly. (Fire, electrical, etc.) If a marshall inspecting your class tells us that you are out of compliance in some way … it is nothing personal. BUT … like it or not … we must do as they tell us. Period.

PDP:

We will discuss PDP’s at our August 19, 2013 orientation.

Release of Student Information: (redundant, I know.)

In order to share any information about a student with an outside agency, (doctor, psychologist, learning center, etc.) you must have a signed release of information form on file in the office.

Procedures for Reporting Child Abuse/Neglect:

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Should you suspect a child is suffering from abuse or neglect, you should first report the evidence to Mr. Bossert or Ms Telfair. The administrator and counselor will evaluate the situation and will file the report with DSS if deemed necessary. HOWEVER, even though we want you to report situations to Mr. Bossert, Ms Telfair, or Debbie Sexton, you, too, can directly report such a situation. You do not need my permission! You have a legal responsibility to report neglect or abuse concerns.

Instructional Time:

Safeguarding instructional time is one of our most important responsibilities. Five minutes lost each day adds up. This is a significant amount of time over the course of a year.

Please be mindful of time lost during transitions and plan these times carefully. Children should not be roaming the halls. Keep them accountable for the amount of time they spend taking attendance to the office, going to and from resource classes, taking medicine, etc. Movement time to and from special classes and the cafeteria should be kept to a minimum.

Respect the teaching time of your colleagues. Refrain from sending notes or interrupting their class for any reason. Classroom intercoms are not to be used to communicate with colleagues during the instructional day.

Using videos can be an effective motivational strategy to reinforce or demonstrate lesson concepts. STILL … they can represent up a loss of up to two hours of instructional time. These should be used in the context of specific lessons, not shown during a block of time one after the other. Showing videos in this manner is not an instructionally sound practice. Please evaluate your use of videos. It is expected that videos are listed in your lesson plans as part of a specific lesson or unit of study. Video viewing times must be scheduled with the media specialist in advance when you are in need of a showing that is broadcast from the media center. I am going to be vigilant about the showing of videos this year. Finally,

YOU MAY NOT SHOW A PG MOVIE WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF PARENTS. IF EVEN ONE PARENT OBJECTS, YOU MAY NOT SHOW THE MOVIE!!

PG means Parental Guidance.

Insurance - Student Coverage :

All students need to be covered by health insurance. Information for enrollment is sent home in the opening of school material or is available in the school office throughout the year. School time student coverage, 24 hour coverage, dental accident coverage, as well as NC Health Choice for those who qualify, are offered to school age children.

Lesson Plans:

Please e-mail your lesson plans by Monday, close of business.

Lesson Plans are not schedules for the week. They are a cogent demonstration of methods, materials, pre and post assessment, and a demonstration of compliance with the NC Common Core and Essential Standards.

They reflect the following:

Lesson objectives – should be posted daily in kid friendly language Materials/Resources used,

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Differentiated Instruction, Readers and Writers workshop models Daily Writing and /or Modeling Writing Strategies. A minimum of ninety minutes of daily math instruction All teachers are expected to be able to provide their lesson plans for administrative

accountability reviews. When doing short visits, snapshot observations, or walk through observations, administration should be able to find your lesson plans.

Specialists are to hand in weekly plans, too. You should also be able to identify your objectives (expected outcomes) and the children should be well aware of your objectives. They ought to be posted.

Please be sure students are aware of the agenda for each day. Keep them actively engaged in their learning.

Plans should reflect a balanced curriculum and a variety of instructional strategies. Please differentiate for your students in every way possible. Children should be actively engaged in the learning process. Remember that the teacher facilitates the learning process. Use of worksheets should be kept to a minimum. Learning tasks should be relevant and encourage the development of lesson concepts in a meaningful manner.

Mailboxes & E-Mail

Please check your mailboxes and e-mail boxes daily. Office staff will place mail in your box by 3:30 p.m. each day. Phone messages will also be placed there. It is very important for you to check your box before the end of each school day. Communications that need to be sent home with students will be there. Finally, a cautionary note … Children should not be in the mailroom…ever. THEY SHOULD NOT BE BUYING DRINKS OR SNACKS FOR THEMSELVES or YOU FROM VENDING MACHINES.

Medical Information

This section should re-iterate several cogent points. There is no responsibility that we have to our children that supercedes maintaining school safety, caring for the physical well-being of our children, and accurately reporting injuries and ill-health to the office and, as required, to families.

Minor injuries – injury report required, contact with family required, for cleaning of abrasions – send to office, for icing bruises – send to office.

MAJOR INJURIES – Depending on the nature of the injury the instructions above may apply. However, be certain that it is safe to move a child before sending the child to the office. If you have doubts … call the office immediately (for example a heavily bleeding head wound or a possible fracture.)Someone will come to determine whether to call for an ambulance. Do everything you can to get your other students supervised (the office will help with that) until you can be relieved of your responsibility.

Medications:

Buncombe County School Policy 545 states that school personnel will only administer medication, prescription or over the counter, if there is a signed order by the physician with specific directions for administration. Prescription medication must be in a bottle that has the original pharmacist’s label with patient’s name, instructions, name of drug, and name of physician. Non-prescription medication must be brought to school in the original container. Parents should provide a properly marked dosage cup or spoon. A “Request for Medication To Be Given Out During School Hours” form must be completed by the parent. Teachers will be provided with two copies of completed forms; one for information and one to be attached to the heath card as required by Board Policy #545. Office personnel will dispense all medicine in the office.

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Copier:

This is a $16,000 piece of equipment. Users must be kept to a minimum to extend the life of the copier. All staff should use the copier in the workroom. The office copier is for office use and for staff to use when they cannot get to the workroom copier, or when the workroom copier is not working.

Ordering Materials:

Absolutely no school material will be ordered except through the school office. For any purchase a requisition form (the pink work sheet for purchase orders) must be completed in full and turned in to Mrs. Hillerman. Careful planning should insure best use of all money allocated to each teacher.

Parties:

The State of North Carolina and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools requires 182 days of uninterrupted class time. We must adhere to this as closely as possible. Parties should be rare and purposeful. All parties should be very low-key. The office must approve all special events planned by PTO or parents.

Retentions, Placements, Promotion:

Before any child is retained and prior to your final talk with parents, you must discuss the student with Mr. Bossert. A previous parent conference (March/April) should have been held prior to the retention conference to let parents know there are concerns. A documented retention conference form must be completed at the final conference. The parent signature on this form does not necessarily indicate that parent agrees, but rather that conference has been held. Parents may make comments! Please notice the sample of the retention conference form on page 41. Also note the Buncombe County Board Policy regarding “promotion and retention guidelines.”

Retention most definitely should not come as a surprise to student and/or parent. Grades on the report card should have indicated concerns throughout the school year. By using the Light’s Retention Scale (available from the principal) some important questions can be considered prior to making a retention recommendation. Please complete the Light’s Scale prior to your meeting with Mr. Bossert.

Retention candidates should have had “at risk” forms completed early in the year and interventions should be made to help students make progress. Transfer students who are not making progress should receive interventions as soon as possible. Students should have been referred to the TIPS team.

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Retention Conference Form

A parent/teacher conference has been held regarding ___________________________’s over-all performance in school this school year. The school recommends that he/she be retained in _________________ grade.

________________________________________ ____________________________Teacher signature Date

_______________________________________ ____________________________Principal signature Date

_______________________________________ ____________________________Parent signature Date

Comments:

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Promotion of Students:

The Buncombe County Board of Education believes that all students can learn and are expected to demonstrate grade level proficiency, based on the requirements as stated in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. The Board of Education holds high expectations for students, staff, parents, and the community, and believes accountability must be shared.

Rental of Facilities:

Usage of school facilities for activities occurring outside the instructional day will be permitted in accordance with policies established by the Buncombe County Board of Education, and in contract with the principal.

According to Buncombe County Board policy, no individual or organization can use the facility to benefit monetarily. (For example: being paid by parents to tutor after school.)

Since a school is a community facility, community utilization of gym and grounds will be encouraged in accordance with adopted regulations.

Those within the community desiring to use these facilities should contact the school principal.

Security:

Due to the overwhelming task of keeping everyone safe within the school the following measures will be in effect: (This is covered in the family handbook.)

All visitors within the school should wear a VISITOR PASS or a VOLUNTEER PASS. In order to acquire either, the visitor will need to stop by office.

Volunteers will sign in on the computer in the office. Passes may be returned to the office when signing out.

Visitors will be asked to sign a visitor log and will follow the same procedures. All tardy students must report by way of the office and no student should be released except through a

call from the office or to a parent wearing a pass.

Selling / Trading

Students should not bring any items to school to sell or trade. (This is covered in the student handbook.)

Smoking in the Work Place:

By school board policy students and staff are not allowed to use tobacco products or possess them while at school. All schools in Buncombe County have a 100% Tobacco Free School Policy. We know the dangers of tobacco to our health and as responsible adults working with children we must work to provide a clean, healthy environment and set a good example for our students. Employees may not smoke or chew tobacco on campus. See Board Policy #531 in the policy section of this handbook.

ALL BUNCOMBE COUNTY SCHOOL

BUILDINGS (and school property) ARE TOBACCO FREE !!!!

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Special Education:

Resource teachers will work out a schedule for their/your students for the welfare of all concerned. They will present this to you in person and in writing. REMEMBER – IEPs and 504 PLANS CARRY THE FORCE OF FEDERAL LAW. YOU MASY ASK FOR A MEETING TO AMMEND AN IEP or 504 Plan, BUT YOU MAY NOT UNILATERALLY DECIDE TO VIOLATE IT.

Staff Development Reimbursement:

In order to be reimbursed for a workshop certain procedures must be followed. (If they are not, substitutes may be taken from your pay and the leave day is counted as a personal day. Our staff development committee works under the aegis of the Continuous Improvement Team. The chair for that committee is Carol Fogal. She maintains a three ring binder of staff development opportunities in the staff workroom. Please remember the following:

a. Complete leave form for anticipated workshop after talking to the school improvement team and getting approval to attend. Most teachers will not receive approval for staff development leave more that one time per year.

b. Have Mrs. Hillerman initial leave form indicating she is aware of attendance and is subtracting cost of sub from Staff Development Funds. You should write, “sub paid from Staff Development money” up the left-hand side of the leave form. If Title I funds are being used, see our Title I teacher. Complete any required paperwork for room, board, and registration reimbursement.

c. Turn in leave form to Mrs. Hillerman three (3) weeks in advance of workshop. If more than one source is being sought to help fund the workshop the source paying the sub should get the original of the leave form with a copy of leave form going to second funding source.

d. Prior to leaving for workshop check with Mrs. Hillerman to make certain leave form has been coded from Central Office for payment of sub. Also check with Mrs. Hillerman to make certain sub has been arranged.

Staff Member’s Children:

Staff children are expected to be with their parents, if they are in the building before or after school or on Teacher Work Days. Please be respectful of the fact that colleagues have a right to uninterrupted work time on these occasions. You should never expect to baby-sit with your own children on a student attendance day during student hours. You should not plan for your children to attend staff meetings, staff functions, or workshops.

Substitutes:

Staff must use the AESOP system for securing substitute teachers. You must maintain a substitute folder. Which is to be kept in the main office.

Teacher Evaluations:At our August 14th Orientation meeting, most of your observation questions will be answered..

Teachers/Principal Conferences:

In order that we have a good parent/teacher/principal relationship, the office needs to know important things that happen in your classroom about which parents may call. Please advise us each day of any such matter that may arise. The rule here is to try to avoid any surprises.

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Technology:

If you have a technology based problem you will need to BOLT that concern. However, our Media Specialist is well equipped to answer many software questions, or to help you with software or find resources that can help you. This summer our Media Director, Ms Gibbs, made it clear that in the current financial crisis, she will expect Media Specialists to do more, like all the rest of us, with less.

Please remember students may not be on the internet without a signed internet agreement form in their cumulative record. Student privacy issues require that we avoid releasing student names, photos, or other identifying information to the public without written parent permission. Any written permission must be placed in a permanent file.

Telephone:

Students are not to use the phone unless it is very important (use your judgment) and they are to have a note from you when sent to the office to use the phone. Permission to leave school with another student, etc., must be accompanied by a note from the parent(s) as these arrangements must be made at home – not at school via telephone. We try to be flexible and will continue to do so. Do not send two students to the office except in cases of illness when the sick child needs assistance. Telephones are available for staff use in the Teachers’ Lounge on the first floor and the literacy room on the second floor. Please do not ask to use the phone on Mrs. Hillerman’s desk. The primary purpose of this phone is to conduct school business. No long distance phone calls may be made from school phones. Please refer to the list of phone extensions in order to dial from room to room on the intercom system. This is to be done only during non-instructional hours.

Textbooks:

DAY 1 – INVENTORY YOUR TEXTBOOKS! It is the responsibility of the classroom teacher to assign textbooks. And maintain their inventory. Records are to be maintained that include the textbook numbers assigned to each student. This is to ensure that every student is accountable for assigned books. Textbooks will be assigned to the classroom teacher by the office. Please do not trade textbooks between classrooms, without letting the office know.

Transfer of Students:

If a pupil is transferring from Black Mountain Elementary School you must complete his/her attendance sheet. Be sure all obligations, damage fees, etc. have been satisfied. Fill out the student withdrawal form and give a copy to the student along with the report card (make a copy of the report card for our cumulative records). Be sure the cumulative records and health records are completed carefully and sent to the office the day after the student withdraws along with a completed withdrawal form and transfer checklist. Make certain to withdraw student on attendance sheet. (Sample of checklist and withdrawal form will follow.)

Visitation:

Since the principle function of the school is to provide the best possible educational opportunities for all children, classroom visitations by groups or individuals will not be permitted unless it has been approved by Mr. Bossert. BUT … this principal really likes an open door policy.

PLEASE NOTE: NO STUDENT TEACHERS OR STUDENT OBSERVERS FROM ANY COLLEGE MAY VISIT THE BUILDING OR THE CLASSROOMS WITHOUT FIRST HAVING THAT VISIT CLEARED BY MR. BOSSERT. ANY TIME SUCH A VISITOR ENTERS THE BUILDING THEY SHOULD BE DRESSED IN A PROFESSIONAL MANNER AND FOLLOW ALL STAFF GUIDELINES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT.

All visitors shall report to the office and sign in on the Visitor/Volunteer sheet. Efforts will be made to notify the staff in advance of visitations.

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No visitor is allowed beyond the office without an official visitor’s badge . (Teachers, if you see a visitor in the building or if you have a parent come to your room without the official visitor’s badge on their body, please send them back to the office to sign in!!)

Volunteers:

A dependable volunteer can be very valuable to your classroom. Volunteers should be given clear assignments and should have guidance from teachers about how to deal with discipline concerns should they arise. The best person to recruit volunteers is the teacher. You know what needs you have and have ready access to your students’ parents. If you have volunteer needs that you cannot fill, however, please let our PTO volunteer representative know! They will maintain a volunteer roster. We need to put our volunteers to work. Please remember volunteers must sign in each time they work and wear a volunteer badge while on campus. We must be consistent with the policy.

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