tamaqua area middle school 2016-2017 faculty …...tamaqua area middle school 2016-2017 faculty...
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TAMAQUA AREA MIDDLE SCHOOL
2016-2017
FACULTY HANDBOOK
A. TAMAQUA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT: "The Tamaqua Area School District, in partnership with home and community, is committed to empowering students by providing opportunities to achieve their
maximum potentials as responsible citizens and productive lifelong learners competing
in an ever changing global community."
B. PHILOSOPHY The success of any school depends on the quality and expertise of the individual
teacher in the classroom. Each teacher is a crucial link to having an effective school.
The faculty and administration of Tamaqua Area Middle School are interested in working together to give our students the best education possible. This handbook is an outline of policies, procedures and general information. The handbook is designed
to be a reference to ensure that all faculty are enforcing the same policies and procedures.
This handbook is a thorough but not complete listing of policies and procedures. In
addition to this handbook, faculty can refer to the administrative handbook, the student handbook and the Program of Studies for more information.
We believe that Tamaqua Area Middle School is an excellent school and by working
together and following these procedures, we can do even better.
BEST WISHES FOR A SUCCESSFUL AND PRODUCTIVE YEAR
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TAMAQUA AREA MIDDLE SCHOOL
502 Penn Street Tamaqua, PA 18252
(570) 668-1210 (570) 668-5027 Fax
ADMINISTRATION:
Mr. Christopher F. Czapla Principal Mrs. Laura Shook Assistant Principal to the Director of Special Education
GUIDANCE: Mrs. Susan Brickler Guidance Counselor
FACULTY:
Mr. Mark Beltz Band/Instrumental Music Mr. John Buglio Music
Ms. Maria Campomizzi Mathematics
Mr. Jay Daubert Health/Physical Education Mrs. Amy Delpais Mathematics
Mrs. Jennifer DiSante Social Studies Ms. Lauren Elston Science
Ms. Susan Featro ESL Mrs. Megan Frantz Title I Math
Mrs. Bonni Gudleski Special Education
Mrs. Nancy Hludzik Social Studies Mrs. Carla Keller Language Arts
Mrs. Alisa Kemmerer Language Arts Mr. William Kimber Special Education
Mr. Michael Luna Science
Mrs. Kelly McGroarty Special Education Mrs. Trisha Maksimik Special Education
Ms. Stephanie Malarkey Special Education Mr. Edward Mariano Science
Ms. Tracy Miller Gifted
Mrs. Allison Morrison Language Arts Mr. Michael Murphy Mathematics
Mrs. Koreen Nalesnik Language Arts Mr. Clarence Opolsky Social Studies
Ms. Amanda Peel Special Education Mr. Jeff Reading Health/Physical Education
Mrs. Marsha Rodgers Music
Mr. Joe Ruddy Science Mrs. Kristine Schellhammer Title I Reading Specialist
Mrs. Charlene Shannon Social Studies Mr. Corey Smith Technical Education
Mrs. Maura Streisel Reading, Thinking, and Writing
Ms. Debra Sweeney Computers Mrs. Jennel Swenson Language Arts
Ms. Denise Washinski Title I Mr. Frank Wenzel Mathematics
Ms. Sheryl Weston Special Education Ms. Kim Woodward Art
SECRETARIAL STAFF:
Mrs. Mary Machay Mrs. Cindy Williams
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CUSTODIAL STAFF:
Mr. Michael Oakes Mr. Bernard Witcofsky
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Mrs. Christine Kostecky
TECHNOLOGY STAFF:
Mr. Charlie Petro Network Assistant
Mr. Zachary Blihar Technology Assistant
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION:
Mr. Raymond J. Kinder Superintendent
Mr. Stephen Toth Assistant Superintendent Mrs. Connie Ligenza Business Manager
Mr. Kenneth Dunkelberger Director of Technology/Facilities
SCHOOL BOARD:
Mr. Lawrence Wittig President
Dr. Thomas Rottet Vice President Mr. Daniel Schoener Treasurer
Mrs. Melanie Dillman Mr. Aaron Frantz
Mrs. Eileen Meiser
Mr. Brian Miller Mr. Mark Rother
Mrs. Wanda Zuber
PARAPROFESSIONALS Mrs. Colleen Barrett
Ms. Cindy Dover Mrs. Jennifer Florea
Ms. Paulette Kelly Ms. Terri Koch
Mrs. Kathleen Murphy
Mrs. Jaclyn Petrucci
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TAMAQUA AREA MIDDLE SCHOOL
2016 – 2017 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Monday, August 22, 2016 Teacher In-Service Day
Tuesday, August 23, 2016 Teacher In-Service Day & Open House
Monday, August 29, 2016 First Day of School
Monday, September 5, 2016 Labor Day – Schools Closed
Monday, October 10, 2016 Teacher In-Service Day
Thursday, November 24, 2016 Thanksgiving - Schools Closed
Friday, November 25, 2016 Schools Closed
Monday, November 28, 2016 Schools Closed
Monday, December 26, 2016 Schools Closed
Tuesday, January 3, 2017 Schools Reopen
Monday, January 16, 2017 Teacher In-Service Day
Monday, February 20, 2017 President’s Day – Schools Closed
Thursday, April 13, 2017 Easter/Make-up day - Schools Closed
Friday, April 14, 2017 Good Friday – Schools Closed
Monday, April 17, 2017 Easter/Make-up day - Schools Closed
Tuesday, April 18, 2017 Easter/Make-up day - Schools Closed
Wednesday, April 19, 2017 Schools Reopen
Monday, May 29, 2017 Memorial Day - Schools Closed
Wednesday, May 31, 2017 Last day of school for students
Thursday, June 1, 2017 Teacher In-Service Day
WEATHER EMERGENCY MAKE-UP DAYS:
1st Day - Monday, October 10, 2016 4
th Day - Tuesday, April 18, 2017
2nd
Day - Monday, January 16, 2017 5th Day - Thursday, April 13, 2017
3rd
Day - Monday, February 20, 2017 6th Day - Monday, April 17, 2017
*Additional weather emergency days will be made up by extending the school calendar the required
number of days in June of 2017.
GRADING PERIODS:
First Quarter: Begins August 29, 2016
Progress reports due (Office & Email) 8:00 a.m., September 28, 2016 Ends November 1, 2016
Grades due by 3PM, November 2, 2016
Report cards distributed by November 7, 2016 Second Quarter:
Begins November 2, 2016 Progress reports due (Office & Email) 8:00 a.m., December 6, 2016
Ends January 17, 2017 (90th Day)
Grades due by 3PM, January 18, 2017 Report cards distributed by January 23, 2017
Third Quarter: Begins January 18, 2017
Progress reports due (Office & Email) 8:00 a.m., February 16, 2017
Ends March 22, 2017 Grades due by 3PM, March 23, 2017
Report cards distributed by March 27, 2017 Fourth Quarter:
Begins March 23, 2017 Progress reports due (Office & Email) 8:00 a.m., April 28, 2017
Ends May 31, 2017
Grades due by NOON, June 1, 2017 Report cards mailed by June 5, 2017
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HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL BELL SCHEDULES
REGULAR SCHEDULE (42 Minute Periods)
DOORS OPEN 7:30
HOMEROOM 7:35-7:40
Period 1 7:43-8:25
Period 2 8:28-9:10
Period 3 9:13-9:55
Period 4 9:58-10:40
Period 5 10:43-11:25
Period 6 11:28-12:10
Period 7 12:13-12:55
Period 8 12:58-1:40
Period 9 1:43-2:25
2:30-3:00 Team meetings, department meetings, curriculum planning,
parent conferences, faculty meetings, and student help.
2-HOUR DELAY SCHEDULE
DOORS OPEN 9:00
HOMEROOM 9:35-9:40
Period 1 9:43-10:12 (29)
Period 2 10:14-10:43 (29)
Period 5 10:45-11:15 (30)
Period 6 11:17-11:47 (30)
Period 7 11:49-12:19 (30)
Period 3 12:21-12:50 (29)
Period 4 12:52-1:21 (29)
Period 8 1:23-1:52 (29)
Period 9 1:54-2:25 (31)
2-HOUR EARLY DISMISSAL-HOLIDAY (23 Minute Classes/40 Minute Lunches)
DOORS OPEN 7:30
HOMEROOM 7:35-7:40
Period 5 7:43-8:23 (Breakfast)
Period 6 8:26-9:06 (Breakfast)
Period 7 9:09-9:49 (Breakfast)
Period 1 9:52-10:15
Period 2 10:18-10:41
Period 3 10:44-11:07
Period 4 11:10-11:33
Period 8 11:36-11:59
Period 9 12:02-12:25
DISMISSAL 12:25
2-HOUR EARLY DISMISSAL-ACTIVITY (23 Minute Classes/40 Minute Lunches)
DOORS OPEN 7:30
HOMEROOM 7:35-7:40
Period 1 7:43-8:06
Period 2 8:09-8:32
Period 3 8:35-8:58
Period 4 9:01-9:24
Period 8 9:27-9:50
Period 9 9:53-10:16
Period 5 10:19-10:59
Period 6 11:02-11:42
Period 7 11:45-12:25
REPORT TO HOMEROOM AND WAIT TO BE CALLED FOR ACTIVITY
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FACULTY and DEPARTMENT HEAD MEETINGS
2016-2017
3:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Faculty Meetings: Department Head Meetings: PLC’s (2:30-3:30):
Monday, August 22, 2016 Monday, September 12, 2016 September 6 & 20, 2016
Monday, September 26, 2016 Monday, October 3, 2016 October 4 & 18, 2016
Monday, October 31, 2016 Monday, November 7, 2016 November 8 & 22, 2016
Monday, November 21, 2016 Monday, December 5, 2016 December 6 & 20, 2016
Monday, December 19, 2016 Monday, January 9, 2017 January 10 & 24, 2017
Monday, January 30, 2017 Monday, February 6, 2017 February 7 & 21, 2017
Monday, February 27, 2017 Monday, March 6, 2017 March 7 & 21, 2017
Monday, March 27, 2017 Monday, April 3, 2017 April 4 & 25, 2017
Monday, April 24, 2017 Monday, May 8, 2017 May 9 & 23, 2017
SAP Meetings: SIT Meetings: Crisis Committee (2:30): Thursday’s at 2:30 Wednesday’s – 9
th Period Monday, August 22, 2016
Monday, April 3, 2017
HOMEROOM ASSIGNMENTS
S 369 Mrs. Morrison
I 368 Mrs. Shannon
X 367 Mrs. Schellhammer
T 365 Mrs. Swenson
H 362 Ms. Woodward
360 Mr. Luna
357 Mr. Wenzel
S 331 Mr. Murphy
E 332 Mrs. Delpais
V 334 Mrs. DiSante
E 340 Mrs. Nalesnik
N 343 Ms. Washinski
T 347 Mrs. Kemmerer
H 361 Ms. Elston
E 333 Ms. Campomizzi
I 335 Mr. Opolsky
G 336 Mrs. Hludzik
H 341 Mr. Ruddy
T 342 Mr. Mariano
H 346 Mrs. Keller
349 Mrs. Streisel
A.M. DUTY (7:00-7:30) Front Entrance: Mr. Luna
6th Grade Bathrooms: Mrs. Maksimik
LGI: Ms. Peel
Cafeteria: Mr. Opolsky and Mrs. DiSante
Breakfast: Ms. Malarkey and Mrs. Gudleski
Bus Entrance: Mr. Kimber
Auditorium Entrance: Mr. Daubert
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BUS DUTY (P.M.)
Back (Cafe) Front (Auditorium)
August 29-Sept 2 Luna Reading September 5-9 Brickler McGroarty
12-16 Buglio Swenson
19-23 Campomizzi Woodward 26-30 Daubert Weston
October 3-7 Delpais Wenzel 10-14 DiSante Washinski
17-21 Elston Sweeney 24-28 Frantz Streisel
31-Nov 4 Gudleski Smith
November 7-11 Hludzik Shannon 14-18 Keller Schellhammer
21-25 Kemmerer Ruddy 28-Dec 2 Kimber Rodgers
December 5-9 Beltz Peel
12-16 Maksimik Opolsky 19-23 Malarkey Nalesnik
January 2-6 Mariano Murphy 9-13 Morrison Mariano
16-20 Murphy Morrison 23-27 Nalesnik Malarkey
30-Feb 3 Opolsky Maksimik
February 6-10 Reading Luna 13-17 Rodgers Kimber
20-24 Ruddy Kemmerer 27-Mar 3 Schellhammer Keller
March 6-10 Shannon Hludzik
13-17 Smith Gudleski 20-24 Streisel Frantz
27-31 Sweeney Elston April 3-7 Washinski DiSante
10-14 Wenzel Delpais
17-21 Weston Daubert 24-28 Woodward Campomizzi
May 2-5 Swenson Buglio 8-12 McGroarty Brickler
15-19 Peel Beltz 22-26 Mariano Ruddy
29-31 Daubert Reading
DANCE COMMITTEE
Megan Frantz
DANCE SCHEDULE
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ASSEMBLY ASSIGNMENTS FOR HOMEROOM TEACHERS
All students will report to homerooms at the assigned time. Homeroom teachers are to take roll as they would in a class and check on any missing students. Students will be called from homeroom. Homeroom teachers are to escort students
to the auditorium and direct them to the correct seats. Please be sure that homerooms are in the correct rows.
Teachers without homerooms will monitor hallways and stairwells prior to and following assemblies. All teachers are expected to be present during assemblies and assist in monitoring student behavior.
HALLWAY/STAIRWELL DUTY
Stairway A (Outside Room 348) – Ms. Weston (Top), Mrs. McGroarty (Middle), & Mr. Buglio (Bottom)
Stairway B (Outside Room 235) – Mr. Reading (Top) and Mr. Daubert (Bottom)
Stairway C (Across from Elevator) – Ms. Sweeney (Top), Mr. Kimber (Middle), and Ms. Peel (Bottom) Stairway D (Between MS & HS) – Mr. Smith
Stairway E (Hall From HS) – N/A Stairway F (Level 2 to 2R) – Mrs. Maksimik and Mrs. Malarkey
ASSEMBLY SEATING- AUDITORIUM
Rows W,X Rows W,X Rows U,V Rows W,X
Rows U,V Rows S,T Rows U,V Rows S,T Rows Q,R Rows S,T
369 Rows Q,R 333 Rows N,P 331 Rows Q,R
368 Rows M,N,P 335 Rows L,M 332 Rows M,N,P 367 Rows K,L 336 Rows J,K 334 Rows K,L
365 Rows H,J 341 Rows G,H 340 Rows H,J 362 Rows F,G 342 Rows E,F 343 Rows F,G
360 Rows D,E 346 Rows C,D 347 Rows D,E
357 Rows A,B,C 349 Rows A,B 361 Rows A,B,C
STAGE
PEP RALLY/GYMNASIUM ASSEMBLY ASSIGNMENTS
All students will report to homerooms at the assigned time. Homeroom teachers are to take roll as they would in a class
and check on any missing students. Students will be called from homeroom. Homeroom teachers are to escort students
to the gymnasium and direct them to the correct seats. Faculty members are expected to stand by or sit in the bleachers of the designated group. Mrs. Frantz will direct seating for all assemblies held in the gymnasium.
ASSEMBLY SEATING- GYMNASIUM
West Side Doors East Side Doors
8th Grade 7th Grade
Band 6th Grade
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AUDITORIUM USE
To sign out the auditorium for class, group, or assembly use, the following procedures will need to be followed:
Contact the Auditorium Manager (Mark Beltz: [email protected]) no less than two weeks before you need to use the auditorium to check for availability. Availability is on a first come, first served basis. An
Auditorium Request Form will be forwarded to you through an email attachment; it must be filled out, and copies must be returned to the Auditorium Manager and your building’s A.V. Coordinator upon receipt. Use of the TASD Auditorium
equipment, supplies, and other materials will be issued only after the Auditorium Request Form is completed and given to the Auditorium Manager and A.V. Coordinator.
FACULTY PARKING
1 Maria Campomizzi 24 Substitute 47 Amy Delpais 2 Frank Wenzel 25 Substitute 48 Jennifer Florea
3 Jen DiSante 26 Substitute 49 Jaclyn Petrucci 4 Lauren Elston 27 Substitute 50 Paulette Kelly
5 Megan Frantz 28 Substitute 51 Terri Koch
6 Bonni Gudleski 29 52 Cindy Dover 7 Nancy Hludzik 30 53
8 Kristine Schellhammer 31 Sheryl Weston 54 9 Carla Keller 32 55
10 Alisa Kemmerer 33 56 11 Bill Kimber 34 57
12 Joe Ruddy 35 Sheryl Weston 58
13 Corey Smith 36 Kelly McGroarty 59 14 Mike Luna 37 Amanda Peel 60 Custodial
15 Trisha Maksimik 38 Stephanie Malarkey 61 Custodial 16 Maura Streisel 39 Denise Washinski 62 Custodial
17 Clarence Oplosky 40 Debra Sweeney 63 Custodial
18 Ed Mariano 41 Kim Woodward 64 Custodial 19 Tracy Miller 42 Jennel Swenson 65 Cafeteria
20 Charlene Shannon 43 66 Cafeteria 21 Allison Morrison 44 Caitlyn Miller 67 Cafeteria
22 Mike Murphy 45 Kathleen Murphy 68 Cafeteria
23 Koreen Nalesnik 46 Colleen Barrett 69 Cafeteria
Auditorium Parking: Beltz, Buglio, Daubert, Reading, and Rodgers
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II. DUTIES
CAFETERIA DUTY
1. Faculty assigned to cafeteria duty are to report promptly at the beginning of the period. 2. Lunch is an assigned area like a class. Demand promptness. The doors should be closed after the three-minute
passing period is over. 3. Students are expected to act in an orderly manner. The discipline code is in effect and will be used to deal with
serious disturbances. Students who are disruptive may be removed from the cafeteria and will not be allowed to eat there for a period of time determined by an administrator.
4. Dismissal should be by tables after an inspection of the floor and tables for trash has been completed. Students
who have left trash may be detained until it is cleaned up. 5. No food or drink is allowed out of the cafeteria unless the office grants permission.
6. Teachers on cafeteria duty should have one person near the doors and another watching the lines. Watch for students who are trying to skip in line. Throughout the period teachers should circulate in the lunchroom.
7. Students will sit in assigned areas and wait to be sent into line for lunches.
CLASS COVERAGE
At times faculty will be asked to cover a class for another teacher because of lack of substitutes, illness or some other
emergency.
EMERGENCY PASSES
In an effort to ensure student safety and to maximize academic time, students will not be permitted to leave an assigned
classroom during a class period except for emergencies. Such emergencies may include, but are not limited to, visiting the nurse, guidance counselor or principal, or using the lavatory when the regular three-minute pass time is not sufficient
to meet the student’s need. Students in the hallways during class time must be in possession of an approved emergency
pass.
HALL DUTY
Teachers are responsible for the conduct of students in the hall area adjacent to their rooms during the passing of
classes. The presence of a teacher in the halls will greatly reduce congestion, encourage students to be prompt for class and be a deterrent to horseplay and larger problems. All teachers are required to be in the hallways, generally by their
classroom door, between classes.
HOMEROOM DUTIES
1. Each teacher who has a homeroom is responsible for keeping an up-to-date student roster and seating chart.
2. When the 7:35 a.m. bell rings, the door to the homeroom should be closed and any student who is not in homeroom is tardy. Students who are tardy for homeroom are also tardy for school and are to be sent directly to
the office. The disciplinary action for tardiness to school appears in the student handbook. Note: It is imperative that all teachers demand punctuality to homeroom or any other assigned area.
3. Absentees are to be recorded on an attendance slip and sent to the office after opening exercises and
announcements. 4. EACH HOMEROOM TEACHER IS TO CHECK ATTENDANCE PERSONALLY. IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT
THIS ATTENDANCE BE CORRECT. PLEASE DOUBLE-CHECK IT. STUDENTS MAY NOT TAKE ATTENDANCE. 5. Each homeroom teacher is also required to record the student’s absences in their own gradebook. Every student
who was absent is to be given an absence excuse form the next day in homeroom and is to return that with parent signature within 2 days.
6. Students may not sign their own excuses. Do not accept any excuses signed by a student without office
permission. 7. Students must submit an absence excuse to the homeroom teacher by the third day after the student returns. If
not, the teacher will send an overdue absence excuse notice to the office and notify the student that this has been done. The student then must have the absence excuse in by the next day. If the student
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fails to do this, disciplinary action will be taken. In addition, the days in question will be marked as unlawful or
unexcused days of absence. Teachers are asked to keep accurate records on those who turn in notes. 8. Opening exercises should be conducted at the start of homeroom and will consist of a pledge of allegiance and
moment of silent meditation. Students are required to remain silent during announcements. 9. From time to time homeroom teachers will be asked to distribute materials to their students. This is the most
efficient way to handle this task and will not be done more than is necessary.
10. Students who have a note to be excused from school early are to turn that note in to the office before 7:35 a.m. Homeroom teachers are not to accept these requests.
LAVATORY DUTY
Teachers will be assigned lavatory duty at different times throughout the school day. All teachers should check the
lavatories from time to time. Students should only use the lavatory between classes, or during class time in the event of an emergency.
STUDY HALL DUTY
1. A class list will be provided for the period you are proctoring. 2. All students should be assigned a seat the first day in study hall. The student will keep that assigned seat for the
entire semester. Seating charts should be developed and kept up to date so that they can be used by any substitute.
3. Roll will be taken each period and students who cannot be accounted for are to be reported to the office on the missing from class form.
4. Students will be permitted to leave study hall if they have a pass.
5. Study hall should be a quiet place free from distracting students. Students are required to bring work to be done during the period. If the student has no work to do he/she must remain quiet for the duration of the period.
6. Study hall is a class. Students are to be there on time. Tardiness should be dealt with just as it is for a class.
III. SCHOOL PROCEDURES – FACULTY
OFFICE HOURS
The middle school office will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily on school days and from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
on working days when school is not in session.
The district office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily on school days and from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on working days when school is not in session.
LESSON PLANS/SEATING CHARTS
All teachers are expected to have correct seating charts for every class, study hall and homeroom. These seating charts are to be kept in a folder or other convenient place and be made available for the substitute teacher. All teachers are
expected to have lesson plans for all classes. Lesson plans will be reviewed during the observation/evaluation process or at any other time the principal deems necessary.
PREPARATION FOR SUBSTITUTES
When absent, each teacher is expected to have seating charts and lesson plans available for a substitute teacher. If lesson plans have not been left for the substitute the day before, then lesson plans should be sent to school with a friend.
An emergency lesson plan is kept on file in the main office. A copy of an emergency lesson plan for substitutes must be submitted to Mr. Czapla by September 2, 2016.
DO NOT call the office to dictate lesson plans and DO NOT dictate lesson plans to the administrator calling substitutes.
Suggestion: Have a mutual system with another teacher so that when sick you can call this fellow teacher and dictate lesson plans and vice/versa.
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Each substitute will be given a form to fill out for each day. On this form the substitute will report the lesson taught, absences for the period, and any problem. The substitute will turn this form in to the office. A copy is kept in the office
and the original is placed in the regular teacher’s mailbox.
DEPARTMENT MEETINGS
Department meetings will generally be held monthly on a designated afternoon from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. Faculty members
are excused only with administrative permission.
FACULTY ROOM
A faculty room is available – room 356. A refrigerator and microwave are available for faculty use. Candy and soda are
available for purchase on an honor system. Faculty is expected to keep the faculty room neat and clean.
PARKING
Faculty will be assigned parking spots and will be issued parking tags from the principal. The tags should be displayed on
the mirror.
YOU MAY NOT PARK IN ANY OTHER PARKING PLACE OTHER THAN YOUR ASSIGNED AREA. In the event someone takes
your issued spot, report it to the office IMMEDIATELY in order to have the responsible party remove their vehicle. Until your parking place has been vacated, please park in the “Visitor” parking places designated on the diagram of the lot
given to each individual who obtains a parking tag. If you do not abide by these rules your car will be subject to towing.
MAIL BOXES/DISTRICT MAIL
Each faculty member has a mailbox in the middle school office. Please check your mailbox and remove items at least
twice a day. Failure to follow these instructions may result in your not getting your messages given by the school secretaries. Do not send students to get mail.
ID BADGES
All district personnel will be issued an ID badge, which is to be worn at all times during the school day. Faculty should report a lost or damaged badge to the office immediately and a new badge will be issued. Damaged badges should not
be discarded. Please return damaged badges to the office.
SIGN IN LIST
ALL FACULTY are required to sign in and out at the middle school office daily.
CLASSROOM PHONE USE
Every classroom has a phone, which may be used to call the office or neighboring classrooms. Students should not be permitted to use classroom telephones. Classroom phones should not be used for personal calls.
PHONE USE
There is a phone in the office area for teachers to make outside calls. Faculty should be considerate of others who need to use the phone.
COPY MACHINE
There are two copy machines, one in the library and one in the office, which may be used by teachers for schoolwork.
The copy machine paper will be stored in the office for your convenience. Ask for help if there are any problems.
Students are not permitted to use copy machines.
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INTERNET ACCESS POLICY
It is the responsibility of every staff member to know and abide by the rules and regulations of the internet access policy
as revised. A copy of the policy is furnished to you and should be reviewed periodically to ensure its execution. It is important to remember that this policy governs all of the members of our school district, both students and staff.
BULLETIN/ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Student Announcements:
1. Announcements will be read over the intercom or done through a webcast at 7:35 each morning and 1:43 each afternoon. Organizations that need announcements made should submit them to the middle
school office before 7:30 a.m. Announcements should always be restricted to concise, important
information. 2. Emergency – Announcements will be made over the intercom during the day in case of emergencies only.
Emergency announcements must have the consent of the principal.
B. Faculty Announcements:
1. The absentee list with morning announcements will be distributed to classroom during the second period.
Faculty who want an announcement on this sheet should write it down and give it to a secretary in the main office.
REPORTING TEACHER ABSENCE
1. If a teacher is unable to attend school due to illness, emergency or other circumstances, the designated administrator should be informed personally by the employee making the request.
A. During the 2016-2017 school year, calls will be taken for substitutes at (570) 668-3169.
B. A call must be made before 6:00 a.m. on the day of the absence, or before 9:00 p.m. the night before.
C. If additional days are needed, the employee MUST make a second call to (570) 668-3169. If this second phone call is not made, then the employee is expected to return. A call verifying additional days of
absence takes very little time and eliminates confusion. NOTE: Failure to call in to report an absence could result in pay deduction.
D. The district office will be informed of all leave taken and records will be kept. Keep your own account of days to use as a check.
E. The appropriate form for requesting leave is available in the middle school office and should be
completed and approved for each day of absence that is not a sick day. It must also be submitted for each day when a substitute is needed but the employee is not absent, such as conference days or field
trips. F. Lesson plans and class lists must be available for the substitute the morning of the
absence/absences.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
Please report any change of your address or phone number to the middle school office and the district office.
SCHOOL CLOSING/BAD WEATHER
A snow call list will be developed for the middle school faculty for any faculty member who is interested. Faculty will then receive a call any time that school is cancelled. When school closes early due to bad weather, faculty at the middle
school may leave ten minutes after the last student has left the building.
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PARENT CONTACT/TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES
Communication between home and school is extremely important. We achieve the best results if home and school work
closely.
Teachers should contact parents whenever deemed necessary. Phone calls should be made to inform parents of
discipline problems or academic concerns. Complete a log of parent phone calls to ensure your efforts to communicate progress or barriers. Teachers should also make use of midterm progress reports. Teachers should send academic notice
home if a phone call cannot be completed.
Positive reinforcement by mail is also an excellent tool. Teachers should try to let parents know when the student does something well. Positive progress reports are available in the middle school office.
Some of the other methods teachers have used to keep parents informed include sending home tests or grade reports and having parents sign them and return them to the office.
GRADING
Each teacher is expected to have a system for computing student grades. The system should include some or all of the following: tests, quizzes, notebooks, homework assignments, projects, class participation, class assignments, etc.
Students should be told exactly how their grades will be computed; this should not be a guessing game. All grading should be kept as objective as possible and every teacher, if asked, should be able to explain a grade to the student,
parents, or an administrator.
Grading System Comments:
01 Respectful to others 32 Needs better study skills
02 Works independently 33 Disruptive in class 03 Exhibits creativity 34 Frequently off-task
04 Does commendable work 35 Excessive absences
05 Contributes to class discussions 36 Does not follow classroom rules 06 Helpful to others 37 Often unprepared for class
07 Hard worker 38 Does not follow directions 08 Participates in class 39 Inconsiderate of others
09 Follows classroom rules 40 Loses homework frequently
10 Helpful and dependable 41 When unsure needs to ask for help 11 Uses time wisely 42 Low Test Scores
12 Demonstrates good lab technique 43 Takes poor notes 13 Volunteers often 44 Cannot work independently
14 Excels in subject area 45 Conference requested 15 Positive attitude 46 Needs to improve A.R. score
16 Responsible 47 Needs to A.R. test more often
17 Homework complete 48 Did not take an A.R. test 18 Classroom attitude shows improvement 49 Failed Accelerated Reader
19 Quality of work has improved 50 Does not use computer time wisely 20 Participates with support 51 Did not complete comp. assignments
21 Not working to potential 52 Scored low on computer tests
22 Needs to be more organized 53 Failed book report 23 Does not dress for physical education 54 Failed major writing assignment
24 Assignments not submitted on time 55 Did not complete major writing project 25 Homework not submitted on time 56 Did not give book talk
26 Does not make up work missed 57 Adapted testing 27 Little or no class participation 58 Does not complete lab reports
28 Wastes time in class 59 Did not complete Science Fair Project
29 Poor attitude 60 Notebook poorly organized 30 Talks excessively 61 Demonstrates sound analytical thinking
31 Needs to put more effort into homework 62 Demonstrates good observational skill
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STUDENT GRADE REPORTING SYSTEM
Teachers will be informed when grade machine access is available. All grades will be recorded numerically. Grades must
be recorded by the deadline provided by the office. Once grade machine is closed, verifications can be done and corrections made through the office. Incompletes should be updated within three weeks of the reporting period. All
students must be supplied with a grade. Even students who withdraw should receive a W.
PROGRESS REPORTS
Midterm progress reports should be sent on the required date to all students who are failing at that time and any
students who are possibly failing. Progress reports should also be sent to students who are working below their ability and/or continually not doing assignments. Teachers can also use this time to send out positive reports to deserving
students. Forms will be available in the middle school office.
Due dates for midterm progress reports are listed elsewhere in this handbook. Progress reports should be filled out and
given to the office by that date. Teachers should turn in the reports grouped by grade and in alphabetical order. This will make it easier for office personnel to send out the reports quickly. Teachers are responsible to have progress reports
turned in on time.
Progress reports may be sent out at anytime and should especially be used if a student’s performance drops and the
student is in danger of failing.
INCOMPLETE GRADES
Incomplete grades are to be used for students who cannot complete their work in the regular amount of time due to
extenuating circumstances. These should include long absences or approved vacations. Students who have been in school and simply do not complete their work do not deserve to be given an incomplete. Students should be given a
definite deadline to complete the work, which should usually be not more than three weeks from the time that report cards are issued. Teachers must be sure to notify guidance of the change in grade as soon as possible.
TESTS
Tests are generally an important part of the curriculum. Tests should be used to measure the amount of information a student has understood and retained. Tests should be used by teachers as one of the evaluation tools for a student’s
grades. They should also be used to evaluate the weak spots and strong spots in the teaching and curriculum. Tests
should be graded and returned promptly. They should be reviewed so that students can learn from their mistakes.
ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY FOR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Each week all faculty members will be given a list of students involved in extracurricular activities and asked to circle the
names of any students who are failing for the quarter. This sheet will be placed in each faculty member’s mailbox on
Wednesday and must be returned to the office NO LATER THAN 3:00 ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON. ALL FACULTY MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO TURN IN THIS SHEET REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT THEY HAVE ANY
STUDENTS FAILING. Students are to be marked failing or not on the basis of their quarter grade. This is their grade from the beginning of the
quarter, not the beginning of the course. Any student falling two major subjects or one major and two minor subjects
will be ineligible for the following week. The eligibility period is from Sunday through Saturday. A list will be published each Monday of the students ineligible for that week and given to the appropriate coaches/advisors. In addition, the
coaches/advisors will be informed of students who are failing one or more subjects but still remain eligible. Any student not passing the required number of courses at the end of the quarter will be ineligible for fifteen school days. Ineligible
students may practice but may not participate in interscholastic events. This will be interpreted by the advisor for non-athletic activities.
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ACADEMIC RECORDS
Academic records are available in the guidance office. Teachers should see the guidance counselor to check a student’s
past academic records.
WRITING ACROSS THE CURRICULUM
Writing is an extremely important skill, which needs to be incorporated into each curricular area. Writing is also an
effective instructional tool to improve instruction in virtually every curricular area. During the 1991-92 school year a writing across the curriculum program was instituted.
Purpose of Program:
1. To improve writing and communication skills. 2. To improve thinking skills and require students to think independently.
3. To use writing as a means to develop higher levels of questioning and thinking. 4. To use writing as a tool to improve learning in the content areas.
Procedures:
1. In every course, which meets every day, students must write a minimum of once each month (except August and June).
2. Each assignment must be a minimum of one paragraph: a topic sentence, 3-4 supporting sentences. 3. Topics will be assigned by the teacher and should be curricular related.
4. Assignments must count in some way toward the student’s quarter grade.
CARE OF ROOM/MAINTENANCE REQUESTS
Teachers are expected to keep their assigned room or area in good condition. This includes keeping the floors generally
clear of paper, keeping the desks empty and keeping the tops of the desks clean and without graffiti. Desktops and
desks should be checked periodically. Students should be required to make sure that they do not leave garbage in the desks and students should be required to clean up any graffiti they have written on desks. Rooms should generally be
kept in an orderly fashion with bookcases neatly stacked. Faculty who use another teacher’s assigned room should be especially careful to leave the room in the condition that it was in when they arrived. Maintenance requests will have the
best chance of being taken care of if they are put in writing and submitted to the principal. The requests will then be
forwarded to the maintenance department. Requests for major repairs must be made by January, so that they can be included in the budget.
CELEBRATIONS/PARTIES/DELIVERIES
Class celebrations and parties are prohibited unless approved by the administration for educational purposes. Students
are not to have food of any kind delivered to the school.
SPEAKERS/VISITORS
Faculty who plan to bring a speaker into their class should obtain approval from the principal prior to the engagement.
CARE OF TEXTBOOKS/BOOK COVERS
All teachers should require that all textbooks be covered at all times. Free book covers are generally available in the
library.
LOST/DAMAGED BOOKS
Students who lost a book are to be assessed an amount based on the price of the book. The student will be required to
pay for the replacement of the book.
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Faculty are also expected to check for damage. Damage costs should be assessed based on the possible future use of
the book. Faculty should see an office secretary to confirm a fee. Lost books should be reported to the office immediately.
FACULTY LIBRARY MATERIALS CHECKOUT
Faculty members have unlimited time to use library materials. Whereas all materials must be checked out, they may be
kept all year, if needed. All library materials should be returned at the end of the school year for inventory.
BERKS-SCHUYLKILL FILM CENTER
Motion pictures and videocassettes are available bi-weekly through the Berks-Schuylkill Instructional Materials Center.
Order forms are available in the library. Orders are to be placed with the Librarian who will forward all requests via the Berks-Schuylkill Delivery system. The library will also coordinate delivery and pickup of the materials in the high school.
Films are delivered Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m. They are brought to the library and
distributed by library assistants. After having been shown in the classroom, the films are to be returned promptly to the library where they will be shipped back to the center. All teachers have a Berks-Schuylkill IMS number. This number is to
be used on all orders. Orders may be placed at any time and must be for dates 3-6 days from the date received at the center. This means that if you send in an order on a Thursday if would be possible to have the request processed and
have the film delivered the following Tuesday morning. If you have any questions regarding this process, please see the
Librarian.
MATERIALS REVIEW POLICY
A materials review policy was adopted during the 2000-01 school year. A copy of the policy has been distributed to all faculty members. Ensure that you are cognizant of this policy and any questions regarding it should be addressed to the
principal.
BUDGET/PURCHASES
The middle school budget will be developed in January of each year for the following school year. Faculty are to submit requisitions clearly stating what is needed, the company from which it should be ordered, and a price from a current
catalog. The office secretary will compile the budget and each teacher will make necessary cuts to keep the budget
within required limits.
Purchase orders will be typed from the requisitions over the summer. Please be certain that your requisitions are complete and clear. Supplies will be placed in the teacher or department chair’s room. Teachers should check the
package and turn in the invoice or packing slip to the office so that payment can be made.
Additional purchases will be very limited. Teachers needing any additional material should check with the principal to see
if any funds are available. All additional purchases must have a purchase order. Phone orders will not be permitted, unless approved by the principal. Generally, phone orders will not be allowed unless there is an emergency. In this
case, all information regarding the order must be given to Mrs. Machay before she gives a purchase order number and the call is made to place the order. Purchase orders must have the approval of the principal. Teachers who order
materials before getting approval will not be reimbursed. Do not use your credit card to purchase school supplies.
You will not be reimbursed.
GENERAL SUPPLIES
Supplies will be delivered to the teacher’s room either before school starts in August or as the material arrives. Paper to
be used in the copy machine will be kept in the office and not distributed to the rooms. If the faculty needs paper for their classroom, they should get it from the office.
Your total for general supplies is computed by using the unit bid amount from the previous year. Remember that general
supplies are part of your total department budget amount and will decrease the amount you can spend for textbooks or other supplies.
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FIELD TRIPS
Faculty desiring to take a field trip are to pick up a field trip request form in the middle school office, complete it and
submit it at least four weeks prior to the trip. The potential date for the trip should first be cleared with the principal. Overnight field trips must have prior Board approval. Money must be budgeted for the cost of the transportation. Check
with your department chairperson. The transportation will be arranged by the transportation supervisor. Teachers
should check with him before the deadline to see if there are any problems. Once approved, the date must be registered with the secretaries in the office and placed on the school calendar.
A policy pertaining to guidelines for chaperones is on file in the office. Before attending a field trip, this policy should be examined and adhered to.
Students going on the field trip must each be given a field trip permission form. These are available in the middle school
office. Since students on a field trip are representing Tamaqua Area Middle School, chaperones should insist students
dress appropriately for the activity.
Field trips must be incorporated as a part of the course of study and teachers must offer some alternative for students who are unable to attend. Also, teachers who will require a substitute are to make arrangements with the administration.
Field trips cannot be scheduled the last two weeks of the school year.
A list of students going on the trip is to be published and given to all other faculty members and office personnel ASAP
before the trip.
There will be a maximum of two field trips per week.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Money has been set aside by the district to be used for professional development. Teachers who wish to use available
funds should pick up a Professional Development Form available in the middle school office. After completing as much information as possible, the form should be submitted to the principal.
TRAVEL EXPENSES
Faculty will be reimbursed for mileage, meals and other travel expenses for approved conferences or other travel as part of their duties. Faculty is to get an expense form from the high school office. Mileage must be exact and receipts are
required for meals, turnpike tolls and any other fees. Mileage will be reimbursed at the standard IRS rate per mile.
BORROWING OF COMPUTERS/OTHER EQUIPMENT
Faculty who would like to borrow a computer or other equipment over the summer are to get a form from the district office. This form must be submitted before the equipment is taken.
USE OF BUILDING AFTER HOURS/WEEKENDS
The middle school building will generally be locked after 3:30 p.m. and will always be locked on weekends. Faculty who plan to have meetings on a school night should submit a request in writing to the principal a week before the event. This
will guarantee that a door is open for people to enter. Faculty who wish to be in the building over the weekend must submit a request in writing to the superintendent.
FIRE DRILLS
Fire drills will be conducted periodically throughout the year. Each classroom should have the fire exit posted. If this is not posted, please see the principal to get a poster.
WHEN A FIRE ALARM IS RUNG, ALL STUDENTS AND FACULTY ARE TO PROCEED IN AN ORDERLY FASHION
OUTSIDE AS QUICKLY AND QUIETLY AS POSSIBLE. ALL LIGHTS ARE TO BE TURNED OFF, WINDOWS
CLOSED AND DOORS LOCKED. FACULTY MUST CARRY ROLL BOOKS WITH THEM. STUDENTS SHOULD LEAVE ALL ITEMS IN THE ROOM.
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When outside, each faculty member should keep their class together and quiet. Roll should be taken and any missing student should be reported to administration immediately. Students should be 50-100 yards away from the building.
Students are to stay outside until signaled to return.
EMERGENCY DRILLS/EVACUATIONS
It will be necessary to perform these tasks during the school year. The various procedures will be distributed to the
faculty and each member should be familiar with them. The procedures should be posted in the classroom to aid in case of an emergency.
In conjunction with Tamaqua Area School District’s Safe Schools program and in an effort to facilitate access to the high
school and middle school complex by emergency personnel in the event of a crisis situation, all public entranceways/exits
have been clearly identified and marked as indicated below:
A. Main entrance to high school B. Guidance entrance at high school
C. Cafeteria entrance at high school
D. Back lobby of high school/handicap entrance E. Entrance between middle and high school/handicap entrance
F. Cafeteria entrance at middle school G. Main entrance to middle school
H. TASD Auditorium I. TASD Athletic Center
J. Entrance between Athletic Center and high school gymnasium
TORNADO DRILL
In accordance with state and national concerns over weather related circumstances, schools have been asked to prepare
a plan to deal with severe weather including tornadoes. We will be conducting a tornado drill on a date specified by the
state. Please advise students of the following procedures and its purpose prior to the drill. Please note the following points:
1. Gym areas and cafeteria areas must be avoided.
2. Quiet must be maintained.
3. Avoid open areas and areas with glass. 4. The top floor must be evacuated.
5. Stay out of stairwells. 6. Keep quiet, move quickly.
7. Do not panic. 8. Sit on the floor facing the walls/lockers.
9. Listen for directions.
10. Be safe. 11. Follow the emergency plan for tornadoes.
12. Follow all rules for fire drills regarding lights, electrical equipment and doors. Windows may be left open.
EMERGENCY PLAN FOR TORNADOES
ALL FLOORS: Students and staff will evacuate to the lower floor hallways, lining the interior and exterior walls from the
music rooms to and beyond the band room, and between the gymnasium and auditorium. Students should sit facing the wall and remain quiet.
THREATS
In accordance with federal mandates, TASD maintains a zero tolerance policy in regards to bomb threats or other threats
relative to school safety. Hoaxes, pranks, or threats of this nature will be treated as a serious offense, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent, and may lead to expulsion. Any actions of this nature should be immediately reported to an
administrator.
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SURVEILLANCE
As part of Tamaqua Area School District’s Safe Schools Initiative, all buildings in the district are equipped with video cameras and recording devices for security. All persons who enter the middle school acknowledge that they are subject
to video surveillance upon entering the building, which may also include the use of metal detectors.
WEAPONS
No person is permitted a weapon in school or on school property at any time. Any faculty member who sees a weapon should confiscate it and turn it in to the office with an incident report. If a faculty member hears information regarding
the possession of a weapon in school or on school grounds, the information should immediately be given to an
administrator. All members of the school community will receive a copy of the weapons policy on the first day of school.
CODE OF CONDUCT
School personnel are required to abide by the state code of conduct. Please refer to the copy in your teacher packet for
complete details.
SMOKING FOR INSTRUCTIONAL PERSONNEL
Following are excerpts from the school board policy on smoking for instructional personnel: Tobacco use by employees is prohibited in school buildings and on school property owned by, leased by, or under control of
the Tamaqua Area School District.
Any employee in possession of a lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, other lighted smoking equipment, or using smokeless
tobacco in any form will be cited before the local magistrate. If guilty, a fine will be imposed.
Each principal is empowered by the Tamaqua Area School Board to cite employees who violate the “No Smoking” law.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY
The Tamaqua Area School District adopted a drug and alcohol policy in August 1988. Following are excerpts from the
policy:
1. (6250.3) The Board of Education identifies that school personnel be held responsible to report all incidents involving
alcohol and drugs. 2. (6250.3a) All personnel of the Tamaqua Area School District are to report to their immediate supervisor any student
or employee unquestionably involved in the use, transfer of, or having alcohol or other drugs, narcotics, or other health-endangering compounds, including look-a-like drugs or substances believed to be a drug, or drug
paraphernalia in their possession while on or about the school property or while on a school function.
3. (6250.3b) All personnel of the Tamaqua Area School District are to report to their immediate supervisor any person who is not a student or employee and who is found to be using, soliciting, or giving a student or employee any
alcohol or other drugs, narcotics, or other health-endangering compounds, including look-a-like drugs or substances believed to be a drug, or drug paraphernalia while on a school related function.
4. (6250.4) The Board of Education requires that a student who, while under the school’s jurisdiction, is found to
possess, be under the influence of, use or abuse of alcohol or other drugs, narcotics, or other health-endangering compounds, including look-a-like drugs or substances believed to be a drug, or drug paraphernalia for the first time
shall be subject to the following immediate actions: 5. (6250.4a) Parents or guardians shall be immediately contacted by building administration and the student shall be
sent home or removed from the school for medical attention if necessary. If parents or guardians cannot be reached, the decision to get medical attention for the student or to isolate the student from other students shall be made by
school administration.
6. (6250.4b) The police department having jurisdiction over the area in which the school is located shall be notified by the Superintendent or his designee and the student shall be referred for appropriate action.
7. (6250.4c) The student initially will be suspended up to ten school days during which time an informal hearing will be scheduled.
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8. (6250.4d) Within the first three days of suspension, preferably the day after the occurrence, an informal hearing
shall be held with the student, his/her parents or guardian, local police department representatives, the school administration and any other person who, in the judgment of the administration, could make contributions to aid in
determining the course of action. As a result of the meeting, the District shall do one or more of the following: 9. (6250.4d1) Refer the student to district personnel for counseling. Appropriate staff members may constitute one or
more of the following:
a. Unit Principal b. School Nurse
c. Student’s Guidance Counselor d. School Psychologist
e. Other Appropriately Trained Staff Members selected by the Principal (6259.4d2) Recommend the student, under parental supervision, to obtain assessment from an outside
professional resource. Confirmation of such contact shall be required to be submitted within a prescribed time to
the school administration. Failure to comply within a prescribed time will be cause for additional days of this suspension to be required. The quantity of these required suspensions will be at the discretion of the principal.
(6259.4d3) Full suspension for up to ten (10) school days. (6259.4d4) Referral to the District Hearing Committee for an expulsion hearing.
(6259.4d5) Any other action determined appropriate by the situation.
10. (6250.5) A student who is in possession for a second time or is found to transfer or intent to transfer alcohol or other drugs, including look-a-like drugs or substances believed to be a drug, or drug paraphernalia, is subject to similar
actions with a minimal suspension of five days. 11. (6250.6) The Board of Education identifies the following:
(6250.6a) All students and staff members of the Tamaqua Area School District shall report to the principal any person suspected of soliciting, giving, or using alcohol or other drugs, narcotics, or other health-endangering
compounds, including look-a-like drugs or substances believed to be a drug, or drug paraphernalia while on or about
the school property or while on school-related functions. (6250.6b) Persons who have been in a position to make such a report and have failed to do so shall be subject to
disciplinary action when reasonable evidence is presented indicating that such a person has ignored the responsibility. (6250.6c) School administrative personnel shall have the authority to require students or other persons under the
administrator’s jurisdiction to submit to a thorough search of clothing, desks, handbags, wallets and lockers to take
possession of any unauthorized materials suspected of being in their possession. If a more intrusive body search of the student is indicated, an attempt shall be made to contact parents for their consent or attendance at the search.
Such searches shall be conducted with an appropriate witness, which may be the parent or a staff member, and must not be conducted without reasonable suspicion. Persons of the same sex will make body searches.
(6250.6d) Students who refuse to submit to a reasonable cause search as outlined in this policy shall be immediately
suspended from school and referred to the Superintendent’s office for disposition, which shall include any of the enumerated designations in Section II A of this policy.
IV. SCHOOL PROCEDURES - STUDENTS
CLASS ATTENDANCE
All teachers are required to take attendance daily and keep a record of each student’s absences. Teachers are then to
check the names of those students absent from class with the absentee list. If there are any students who are not accounted for, the teacher is to check with the office. Students should never be assigned the task of taking attendance.
Teachers should always check the morning announcement lists carefully. If a student was on the absentee list but
was in class, please inform the office. If a student came in late, but was not in class, please inform the office.
CLASS DISMISSAL
Students are always dismissed from class by teachers, not by the bell. Students should not be dismissed early,
except in special circumstances (i.e., students using crutches). If announcements are being made when the bell
rings, students should be held in class until the announcements are finished. Students are always required to stay quiet and in their seats during A.M. announcements.
Students who obtain an elevator key due to any kind of incapacity are not permitted to allow other students on the elevator unless given special permission by office personnel or the nurse.
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LAVATORY SIGN-OUT PROCEDURES
Students are not permitted to use the lavatory during class time. Students must use the lavatory between class periods. In the event of an emergency, the student will sign the sheet in the classroom and take the emergency pass. The student
will return to the classroom and sign back in. The teacher will keep a log of this information that can be viewed at any
time during the school year. The teacher should not allow students to abuse this procedure by overuse.
HOMEWORK
In order to achieve consistency and have the classroom teacher controlling all but the worst homework problems, teachers are expected to do the following when confronted with a homework problem:
First occurrence: Record it and warn the student Second occurrence: Contact parents
Third occurrence: Contact parents and guidance counselor
The teacher should record this information as it occurs.
Teachers should develop a grading system whereby homework is calculated as part of the grade. Students should be
informed in advance that failure to do homework will result in a grade deduction.
STUDENT WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL
Students who are withdrawing from school are required to go through a procedure in the middle school office and at the
District Office. This procedure includes having the students see their teachers to return books. The student is also required to see the guidance counselor and librarian. If the student is missing a book, etc., the teacher should inform the
office.
ADDS/DELETES FROM CLASS
Student schedules must sometimes be changed, requiring the teacher to add or delete a student’s name from class or
study hall list. However, DO NOT delete a student’s name from your class or homeroom list or add a student to your class list without official notification from the guidance office or middle school office.
STUDENT RECORDS
Faculty should be aware of the confidentiality of all student records, including personal information, grades, and discipline
reports. Student information should not be shared with other individuals; however, it is appropriate for teachers to share information regarding a student when such sharing is done in the legitimate educational interest of the student.
DISTRIBUTION OF NAMES AND ADDRESSES
Faculty are permitted to get a student’s address from the middle school office or guidance office. However, no faculty member should distribute any list of student or faculty names and addresses. Requests for those lists should be directed
to the office.
BOOK BAGS/BACKPACKS
Students are only permitted to carry CLEAR book bags or CLEAR backpacks to carry physical education clothes to and
from their locker to the locker room or to transport books to and from home to their locker.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Students are not permitted to use CD players/radios, cellular phones, pages, cameras and other similar devices in school
except for very special circumstances. If students bring these devices to school, they are to be kept in their lockers.
Students will be permitted to keep a cellular phone secured in their locker, provided that the cellular phone is kept off during the school day. Teachers who see CD players/radios, cellular phones, cameras, pagers or beepers should take
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them and turn them in to the office with the student’s name. Students may pick up the confiscated item from an
administrator.
LIBRARY PROCEDURES
Library Admissions: During the study halls, students who have passes should report directly to the library at the beginning
of the period. Students will remain in the library all period and the librarian will be responsible for them during this time.
PEP RALLIES
A Pep Rally will be held in the gym each fall. Students will return to homeroom first and then report to the gym by class
when announced over the PA system. Homeroom teachers are to take roll when students return to homerooms and report any students who are missing as you would in a class. Homeroom teachers are then to escort their class to the
gym when called over the PA. Faculty are not required to sit with their homeroom but are required to be in an assigned
area. (See duty lists). Disruptive students are to be dealt with through normal discipline procedures. There will be a study hall for students who have been removed from assemblies and pep rallies and who may not attend them.
ASSEMBLIES
Assemblies will be held in the gym or auditorium. Students will be required to sit with homerooms, and faculty will be assigned to specific areas of the gym/auditorium. (See duty list). Students will return to homeroom and will report to the
gym by homeroom when announced over the PA system. Homeroom teachers are to take roll and report any missing students. Homerooms will be called individually and homeroom teachers are to escort their homeroom to the
gymnasium/auditorium and sit with them. All other faculty members will also be assigned a section of the bleachers/auditorium to supervise. There will be a study hall for students who have been removed from assemblies and
pep rallies and who may not attend them.
BUS CONTACT
In the event that a bus needs to be contacted, faculty members should contact the main office. Office personal will
contact the Transportation Director for direct contact with the bus.
FUNDS
All activity advisors should review the Activity Advisors’ Handbook and be very careful to complete records of all funds.
The following procedures will be used for the depositing of money: 1. All funds need to be deposited with Mrs. Machay between 3:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
2. Mrs. Machay will verify the amount in the presence of the advisor. The advisor and Mrs. Machay will both
sign a 3-part receipt for the money. The advisor will get the first copy and Mrs. Machay will get the second copy.
3. Mrs. Machay will put the money in locking bank bags and lock it in the safe. The safe is limited to office personnel only.
4. TASD Personnel will deliver the locked bank bag to Mrs. Nowak at the administrative office.
FUND RAISING
Extracurricular advisors who wish to have a fund raising activity must have their requests approved by the
superintendent. (See Activity Advisor’s Handbook). Forms are available in the middle school office.
DISCIPLINE
The discipline code as it presently exists has a four level structure with the offenses of each level being more serious than
the previous level. For the exact code, see the student handbook.
Level I offenses are to be handled by the classroom teacher. It will be understood by the administrator and teacher that
no action will be required on the administrator’s part with the filing of a Level I Referral. If the administrator discovers that there are several referrals on file for the same student, some level of discipline may be administered. Level I forms
must be filed with the assistant principal.
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Level II offenses are to be handled by administration and teachers jointly. A discipline report must be filed by the teacher
indicating, in detail, the incident and the student(s) involved. Teachers must inform students that a discipline report is being filed. At this point, the administrator will call the student to the office and select the appropriate
discipline from the options provided. The teacher may discuss the possible options with the administrator, but teachers cannot expect that their suggestions will always be followed. The teacher will be informed of the discipline via a copy of
the Discipline Report. Teachers should expect feedback within a few days and may ask the administrator for information
if that does not happen.
Level III and IV offenses will be handled almost entirely by administration since suspension may be involved and due process requirements must be met. Teacher input may be necessary to understand the details of the incident.
Students should not be sent out of class to the office except under extreme circumstances. If a student is
sent to the office, the teacher should call on the phone to inform the office that the student is being sent. The teacher
should complete a written discipline referral before the end of the school day.
DETENTION
1. Detention will be administered on a Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
2. Students assigned to detention on that day will report and sign the attendance sheet. 3. All students in detention will observe the following rules:
a. While in detention, the student will work on something or remain quiet. No sleeping! b. No radios or personal stereos will be allowed.
c. Students will leave via the main entrance and go home at the end of detention. Loitering around the school or going to lockers is not permitted.
d. If morning detention is held, the student will report to their homeroom immediately after dismissal from
detention. e. The teacher proctoring detention will turn the detention attendance sheet to the assistant principal the
next day. f. If the teacher proctoring detention cannot be at detention or is ill that day and not in school, it is their
responsibility to inform the assistant principal of their absence from detention.
4. Teachers may assign independent detentions for a student, provided the student has twenty-four hours notice.
LATE TO CLASS
Promptness is one of the “little things” that we must demand in order to instill in our students the idea that discipline is
important.
When the bell rings, close the door. Students appearing after this time without a valid excuse from the office or another teacher are late.
First and second late offenses: warning by teacher. Third and subsequent offenses: teacher is to fill out a Level II
disciplinary form specifying that the student was late to class for the third (fourth, etc.) time. The usual penalty will be
an hour of detention.
STUDENTS SHOULD NEVER BE DENIED ENTRANCE TO CLASS BECAUSE THEY ARE LATE, but instead the teachers should follow the above procedures. If the student does not have a pass, but feels he/she has a good reason,
the teacher should require the student to get a pass by the next day, but should NOT send him back for a pass right
away.
LATE TO SCHOOL
Students who are tardy to school are to sign in the office where they will receive a pass to admit them to class. Tardy students will be given a pass only to get them into their first class.
EXCUSED ABSENCES
Any student who, for reasons of sickness, emergency, appointments or other valid reasons, is absent from school will
have the absence recorded by the homeroom teacher. A report of the absence will be sent to the office each morning.
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The student will be issued an absence excuse the day he/she returns to school. The student then has three days to
return the excuse, signed by a parent, to the homeroom teacher. Failure to return this excuse on time may result in the absence being unexcused and in disciplinary action by the administration. Homeroom teachers are responsible to
take attendance. Do not give this assignment to a student. Be sure to inform the office when a student has not returned an excuse in the allotted time.
UNLAWFUL ABSENCES
Absences are usually unexcused for one of four reasons: truancy, vacation day not allowed by the district; other days permitted by the parent for a reason not considered by the state to be legal, such as sick days without a doctor’s note
when the parent has been served notice that a physician’s note is required because of excessive absenteeism.
For students under 17, unexcused absences are unlawful. After three unlawful absences, the parent will be officially
notified and then fined for each additional unlawful absence.
There is an academic penalty for unexcused/unlawful absences. Students will be allowed 3 illegal/unexcused absences per year. All days after the 3 will be given an academic deduction of 3% per day from a student’s quarter numerical
grade. Students are expected to make up the work they have missed and should be given zeros for any work they do not
make up.
For example – if student “A” was illegally absent three times from September through January, every illegal/unexcused day after that would result in a 3-point deduction. If student “A” had two unexcused/illegal days in February, the third
quarter grade in each subject will have a 6-point deduction (3 x 2 days). If the student’s quarter grade was 90, the student will then receive an 84 (90-6).
Faculty will be given a list of students who have received point deductions at the end of each quarter.
If a student is listed as having a half-day illegal absence, the student should receive a 3% deduction for the classes that met in the half-day the student missed, but no deduction for the classes the student was in. For example, if a student
had an illegal/unexcused absence on April 23, AM, the student should receive a 3% deduction for the morning classes,
but no deduction for the afternoon classes. TRUANCY
Every truancy is an unexcused absence. Not every unexcused absence is truancy. Truancy means that the student
missed school without the parent’s knowledge and/or consent. In many cases of unexcused absence, the parent had
knowledge of the absence and falsely reported it or failed to comply with certain requirements for students with excessive absences (example: doctor’s note requirement for each day of absence).
Students who are truant will be assigned disciplinary action. In addition, those days will count as unexcused absences.
CORPORAL PUNISHMENT
Corporal punishment, generally the paddling of a student for disciplinary reasons, is prohibited. Reasonable force may still be used by teachers or administration under any of the following circumstances:
1. To quell a disturbance; 2. To obtain possession of weapons or other dangerous objects;
3. For the purpose of self-defense;
4. For the protection of persons or property.
However, any use of force by a teacher or school authority has the potential to place that person in questionable circumstances. Please try to avoid it if at all possible.
HAZING
Hazing activities are strictly prohibited. Hazing is defined as any activity that recklessly or intentionally endangers the
mental health, physical health, or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or membership in or affiliation with any organization recognized by the School Board, as well organizations which may not be recognized by the board. No
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student, coach, sponsor, volunteer, or district employee may plan, direct, encourage, assist, or engage in any hazing
activity. Any person involved in the act of hazing will be disciplined in accordance with school board policy and Code of Conduct.
FEES/STUDENT DEBTS
Until unpaid library fines or overdue books are turned into the office, the student cannot use the library. If a student owes money for a lost or damaged book, other damaged material, or other fees, the faculty member should fill out a
form in the office for that amount of money. Please be specific about the reason for the fee so that the office can explain if questioned. If a lost book is the reason, please list the book number. The shop teacher must collect shop fees before
any projects can be started. Unpaid bills and fines must be reported two weeks before the end of each semester.
V. GUIDANCE OFFICE/STUDENT SERVICES
GUIDANCE OFFICE
The guidance counselors are assigned to assist students in career goals, curriculum planning, scheduling, personal
problems and many other areas. Each student has a file in the counselor’s office, which contains information such as
past grades and courses, standardized test results and other pertinent information.
Faculty who have concerns about a student because of poor grade performance, behavior problems or possible misplacement in a course should see a guidance counselor. Guidance counselors can check to see if the student is placed
correctly and can check standardized test results to see if there is a problem in achievement in a certain area. Counselors can often give a faculty member insight to understand why a certain student has problems and make suggestions to work
with that student. Discipline problems should be referred to the assistant principal, but often should also be discussed
with the counselor.
NEW STUDENTS
Students who move into the school district from another school during the year will have a schedule built to match the
schedule from the previous school as closely as possible.
Faculty should compute a grade from the time that a student arrives. The guidance office should have grades from the previous school, which should then be averaged with the Tamaqua grade to arrive at a quarter grade.
TUTORING
All teachers are expected to work with students who need extra help or individual attention outside of the normal class time. This can be scheduled at a mutually agreeable time during study halls or prep periods. Teachers are expected
to be available between 2:25 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to work with students.
HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTION
Students who will be absent for more than three weeks may be assigned to homebound instruction. Students on homebound instruction will be provided with five hours of tutoring per week.
Faculty will be asked if they are interested in doing homebound instruction. Preference will be given to the student’s own teachers. The regular instructor will give the student’s grade after consultation with the homebound instructor.
STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Student Assistance is a program required in all Pennsylvania middle schools. Its purpose is to identify students at risk
and to provide them with encouragement, support and in-school or out-of-school help as needed.
The student assistance team consists of teachers and other staff members who have volunteered to serve and have
undergone training.
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Teachers who have concerns about a student should contact one of the team members or fill out a referral form available
in the office. The information from faculty is crucial to the team to determine the need for intervention.
Members of the team are required to maintain confidentiality. Comments from faculty will be kept confidential. However, faculty also may not be able to receive information about the steps taken to help a certain student after the referral was
made.
The SAP team will usually meet weekly. Joining the team will be one or two members of county agencies such as the
Drug/Alcohol unit or the MH/MR unit.
SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES
All professional employees should be aware of the existence and general contents of the district’s Special Education Program for Special Needs Students and the Special Education Behavior Support Policy and Procedure. Copies of these documents are located in the main office and guidance office and will be made available upon request. Please become
familiar with these documents in an effort to better understand the policies and procedures for identification of and services available for Tamaqua’s special needs students.
Professional employees should also be familiar with Chapter 15 of Title 22 of the school code regarding the rights of handicapped individuals. This federal law and state regulation requires that public educational agencies ensure that
protected handicapped students have equal opportunity to participate in school programs and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent of their ability by providing related services and accommodations as necessary.
The Tamaqua Area School District, in conjunction with Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29, provides a free appropriate
education to students identified with special education needs. The comprehensive programs and services provided
include the following, at no cost to the parent or guardian: 1. Identification procedures, which include screenings as well as in-depth, comprehensive educational evaluations.
2. Provision of Individual Education Plans (IEP), based on a student’s eligibility, which are designed to yield meaningful educational benefit and progress for the individual student within the school’s curriculum.
3. Related services, such as occupational and physical therapy, based on an identified need in order for the student to make meaningful progress in his/her individual education plan.
4. Related aids, services, or accommodations for students identified as “Protected Handicapped” in order for them to participate in and obtain benefits from the school’s educational program.
5. Preschool programs and services for children, ages 3 through 5, which include screening evaluations, programs, related services, parent consultation, and referral to community agencies.
If a teacher has a concern about a student’s placement in regular education and believes the student should be placed in
special education, this concern should be expressed to a guidance counselor. The counselor will check student records, and if necessary will contact a parent(s) for permission to evaluate the student for placement in a special education
program.
STANDARDIZED TESTING
Tamaqua Middle School is involved in several programs of standardized testing. These tests will be scheduled to provide
a good testing environment and as little interference with regular classes as possible. Test results, especially from the PA Assessment Test will be shared with faculty and used to improve the curriculum. Results for individual students also
become part of their guidance folder and are available to teachers through the guidance counselor.
STUDENT INTERVENTION TEAM (SIT)
The Student Intervention Team, comprised of the principal, one regular education teacher, two or more special education
teachers, guidance counselors, and school psychologist, will meet weekly to review the progress of those students recommended to the team by classroom teachers as having academic difficulties. The duties of the team will be to
implement interventions designed to assist the student in succeeding in the classroom. The team will also make referrals
for evaluation when necessary.