2015 - 2016
TEACHER HANDBOOK
Michael Ridout, Principal
Amanda Hallman, Assistant Principal
Rene’ Hebert, Counselor
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Absenteeism- Student…………………………………………………………….3
Attendance Procedures...... 3
Attendance/Student……………………………………………………………… 3
Bullying…………………………………………………………………………..4
Bus…………………………………………………………………………..……5
Care of School Property…………………………………………………………..5
Child Abuse……………………………………………………………………....6
Class Information…………………………………………………………………6
Class Movement………………………………………………………………….6
Classroom Appearance…………………………….…………………………….6
Classroom Repairs……………………………………………………………….6
Communications…………………………………………………………………7
Conferences ………………………………………………………………………7
Code of Ethics…………………………………………………………………...7
Computer Lab…………………………………………………………………...7
Conserving Energy……………………………………………………………….7
Credit by Examination……………………………………………………………7
Discipline Procedures…………………………………………………………….8
Dress and Grooming……………………………………………………………..10
Drills………………….…………………………………………………………10
Emergency Medical Treatment …………………………………………………...11
Early Release……………………………………………………………………..11
Equipment………………………………………………………………………..11
Faculty – General Info.……………………………………………………………12
Field Trips………………………………………………………………………..15
Films……………………………………………………………………………..15
Food (Snacks & Treats)………………………………………………………….15
Gifted and Talented………………………………………………………………15
Grade Books……………………………………………………………………..17
Grading Guidelines………………………………………………………………17
Guidance…………………………………………………………………………17
Health Notes……………………………………………………………………..17
Homework Policy………………………………………………………………..17
Invitations………………………………………………………………………..18
Law Enforcement…………………………………………………………………18
Lesson Plans……………………………………………………………………..18
Library………………………………………….………………………………..18
Lunch Procedures………………………………………………………………...19
Make-up Work …………………………………………………………..……...19
Medicine at School………………………………………………………………19
Nurse………………………………………………………………………..……..20
PTO …………………………………………………………………………….20
Parties ……………………………………………………………………………21
Physical Education……………………………………………………………….21
Pictures………………..…………………………………………………………21
Placement Review Committee……………………………………………………21
Pledge……………………………………………………………………….……..21
Policy on Line……………………………………………………………………21
Printed Matter……………………………………………………………………22
Promotion/Policies ……………………………………………………………...22
Reporting Periods……………………………………………………………….23
Reproduction Machine…………………………………………………………..24
School Day- Students……………………………………………………….…….24
School and Supplies…………………………………………………………….24
Sexual Harassment………………………………………………………………24
Special Event…..………………………………………………………………..25
Student Birthday Recognition……………………………………………………25
Student Phone Usage……………………………………………………….……26
Substitute Folder ………………………………………………………………..26
Tabulation of Money……………………………………………………………26
Tardy Procedures ………………………………………………………………26
Teacher Budgeted Money………………………………………………………26
Textbooks………………………………………………………………………26
Visitors/Visitor’s Pass……………………………………………………………27
Volunteers…………………………………………………………………..……27
Withdrawal Procedure………………………………………………………….27
Written Communication………………………………………………………..27
LITTLE CYPRESS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
GENERAL INFORMATION AND POLICIES
ABSENTEEISM-STUDENT
Attendance at school on a regular and punctual basis is absolutely necessary if students expect to achieve their maximum potential. A student is counted absent all day if he/she is not present when the roll is called at 9:00 a.m. A school district will excuse a temporary absence for the purpose of an appointment with a health care professional if the student comes to school the day of the appointment, either before or after the appointment. The student must turn in a doctor’s excuse to the office to be counted present.
Students arriving after 7:30 a.m. will be considered tardy, and the teacher will document this in Skyward. After 8:00 a.m., parents must sign the student in at the office. The student must present the teacher with the tardy slip upon arrival to class.
If a student must be absent for an extended time, the parent must request approval three days prior to the beginning of the absence. The parent must submit in writing, the dates of the anticipated absence and the reason for the absence. All extended absences must be approved by the principal.
ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES
FIRST DAY PROCEDURES
CLASS ROLLS
Teachers will be given one copy of individual class rolls. The class roll will be picked up at 9:00a.m. with names of students marked out who did not show (NS) and names of new students added at the bottom.
SECOND DAY PROCEDURES
ELECTRONIC ATTENDANCE
Office will provide new rosters. Compare hard copy roster to electronic roster and report any discrepancies to the attendance clerk. All students, new and returning, who do not report to class on the first day will be assigned or reassigned through the principal's office.
A child is not officially an entry or a bona-fide student until he/she is in attendance at 9:00a.m. It is, therefore, impossible for a child to be absent until he/she has been present at the official attendance record time.
DAILY ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES
Attendance will be submitted electronically by the teacher at 8:50a.m. (Bell will ring as a reminder.) All parent notes/doctor excuses will be sent to the attendance clerk.
ATTENDANCE-THE STUDENT
The teacher has the legal and professional responsibility to the school administration, the school board, and the state to maintain accurate, current daily attendance records. It is important that the teacher discharges this responsibility efficiently in the official attendance record. It serves as the basis for computing average daily attendance figures on which state funds are distributed to the school district.
- Use the electronic attendance system and/or the attendance log to record attendance.
- A student membership audit will be conducted each six weeks. The office will provide each teacher with a current copy of her class roll for comparison purposes. It should be signed, dated and returned to the attendance clerk on the day it is issued. Discrepancies will be brought to the attention of the attendance clerk.
- If, unless otherwise specified, a student is not present for roll call, mark him/her absent.
BULLYING
Bullying occurs when a student or group of students engages in written or verbal expression, expression through electronic methods, or physical conduct against another student on school property, at a school-sponsored or -related activity, or in a district operated vehicle, and the behavior:
- Results in harm to the student or the student’s property,
- Places a student in reasonable fear of physical harm or of damage to the student’s property, or
- Is so severe, persistent, and pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment.
This conduct is considered bullying if it exploits an imbalance of power between the student perpetrator(s) and the student victim and if it interferes with a student’s education or substantially disrupts the operation of the school.
Bullying is prohibited by the district and could include hazing, threats, taunting, teasing, confinement, assault, demands for money, destruction of property, theft of valued possessions, name-calling, rumor-spreading, or ostracism. In some cases, bullying can occur through electronic methods, called “cyberbullying.”
If a student believes that he or she has experienced bullying or has witnessed bullying of another student, it is important for the student or parent to notify a teacher, counselor, principal, or another district employee as soon as possible to obtain assistance and intervention. The administration will investigate any allegations of bullying or other related misconduct.
If the results of an investigation indicate that bullying has occurred, the administration will take appropriate disciplinary action. Disciplinary or other action may be taken even if the conduct did not rise to the level of bullying. The district will also contact the parents of the victim and of the student who was found to have engaged in the bullying. Available counseling options will be provided to these individuals, as well as to any students who have been identified as witnesses to the bullying.
Any retaliation against a student who reports an incident of bullying is prohibited.
The principal may, in response to an identified case of bullying, decide to transfer a student found to have engaged in bullying to another classroom at the campus. In consultation with the student’s parent, the student may also be transferred to another campus in the district. The parent of a student who has been determined by the district to be a victim of bullying may request that his or her child be transferred to another classroom or campus within the district. [Also see School Safety Transfers.]
A copy of the district’s policy is available in the principal’s office, superintendent’s office, and on the district’s Web site.
A student or parent who is dissatisfied with the outcome of an investigation may appeal through policy FNG(LOCAL).
[Also see Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation, School Safety Transfers, Hazing, and policy FFI, and the district improvement plan, a copy of which can be viewed in the campus office.]
Procedures for Reporting Allegations of Bullying
Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD
The district prohibits bullying on school property, at school-sponsored or school-related activities, or in any vehicle operated by the district. Bullying may be verbal or written expression or expression through electronic means, or physical conduct. Bullying is not tolerated by the district and any student or parent of a student who believes that the student or another student has experienced bullying or that a student has engaged in bullying is encouraged to immediately report the incident. Retaliation against anyone involved in the complaint process is a violation of district policy and is prohibited.
Students or parents may report an alleged incident of bullying, orally or in writing, to a teacher, counselor, principal or other district employee. Students or parents may contact the district to obtain an incident report form that may be used to submit the complaint.
Please note that after submission of the complaint to the district employee, the district may assign the complaint to a campus administrator to follow up on the submitted complaint and any other important matters pertaining to the complaint. We encourage you to communicate with your designated campus administrator during this time.
More information about the district’s bullying policy can be found at Policy FFI (Local) or the campus administration office.
BUS
DUTIES
Teachers on duty should be in position at 2:30p.m. and remain on duty until the buses depart.
CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY
Taking care of school property is extremely important for students and staff. Tape is not to be used on painted surfaces or walls. Cork strips and bulletin boards should be used when displaying student work. Encourage students to take part in caring for our building and grounds.
CHILD ABUSE
A person who has cause to believe that a child's physical or mental health or welfare has been or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect by any person shall make such reports as are required by law. Family Code 261.101(a)
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The district has established a plan for addressing child sexual abuse, which may be accessed at the campus office. As an employee, it is for you to be aware of warning signs that could indicate a child may have been or is being sexually abused. Sexual abuse in the Texas Family Code is defined as any sexual conduct harmful to a child’s mental, emotional or physical welfare as well as a failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent sexual conduct with a child. Anyone who suspects that a child has been or may be abused or neglected has a legal responsibility under state law for reporting the suspected abuse or neglect to law enforcement or to Child Protective Services (CPS).
CLASS INFORMATION
Teachers will be provided with a binder that includes the following student information:
- date of birth
- address and area
- telephone number (including emergency contact numbers)
You will need this information all year. Please notify the office and nurse of any change in addresses or phone numbers.
CLASS MOVEMENT FROM ONE AREA TO ANOTHER
Teachers are responsible for the conduct and discipline of their classes when moving from one classroom or area to another, including going and returning from the cafeteria/gym.
CLASSROOM APPEARANCE
Organization and neatness are a good reflection of you and your classroom management skills. Implement a plan to teach your students these necessary skills so that they can keep their own area and your classroom neat and orderly. Any food items kept in the classroom must be stored in sealed containers. Trash containing food including packaging should be placed in the hall outside of the classroom at the end of the day. Report any spills immediately to the environmental technicians. Eating in the classroom is prohibited except in cases of a scheduled class activity. Parties and activities must be approved by the principal. Incentives/rewards should be enjoyed outdoors, weather permitting.
CLASSROOM REPAIRS
It is the responsibility of every teacher to submit to the secretary an email for any repairs that are needed in their classroom. The secretary will then submit your request to the principal for approval before it is submitted to the maintenance department.
COMMUNICATIONS
DAILY MEMOS
Read the dry erase board by the teachers’ mailboxes before school and after lunch for important information.
WITH THE PRINCIPAL
I am here to serve you and I am interested in anything that concerns you. Please let me know if I can assist you in any way. If I am not available when you are free, please email me your concern, and I will contact you to establish an appropriate time for us to meet.
CONFERENCES
A parent/teacher conference should be held for each student by the end of the 2nd six-weeks and documentation should be submitted to the principal.
Teachers should not limit communication with parents to the use of report cards or progress reports. Parent-teacher conferences, telephone conversations and notes to parents should be utilized frequently. In planning for conferences, the teacher should consider using strategies to promote better home-school relations. Teachers should make reports to parents concerning the child’s progress and/or conduct as often as needed. All contacts made with parents, including telephone calls, should be documented and kept on file.
Communication is most effective when it is done in a timely manner.
CODE OF ETHICS FOR EDUCATORS {DH (EXHIBIT)}
Provisions in the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators provide guidance regarding professional conduct.
“The educator shall deal considerately and justly with each student and shall seek to resolve problems including discipline according to law and school board policy.” “The educator shall not intentionally expose the student to disparagement.” 19 Tex.Admin.Code Section 247.2
* See Appendix A
COMPUTER LAB
The computer lab will be used by teachers for computer based lessons.
CONSERVING ENERGY
Follow 2-minute rule. If you are going to be out of your classroom 2 minutes or longer, turn out the lights.
CREDIT BY EXAMINATION WITHOUT PRIOR INSTRUCTION
A school district must offer examinations for acceleration to any student who requests it. The purpose of examinations for acceleration is to allow a student to accelerate and earn credit for a particular course or grade without formal instruction. A student or the parent or guardian of a student planning to take an examination for acceleration shall be required to register with the principal or designee no later than 45 days prior to the scheduled test. If a student desires study materials, registration should be 60 days prior to the scheduled test dates.
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
Develop classroom rules and procedures based on this process
1.Use CHAMPS to communicate behavior expectations on an ongoing basis.
2.Establish Classroom rules.
3.Determine disciplinary consequences and positive reinforcement.
4.Post the rules and consequences in classroom, teach it to the students, and inform parents. Practice the rules and procedures (role play).
5.Review procedures/rules at the beginning of each six weeks and semester or as needed.
*LCI Discipline Consequences
1. Non-verbal warning
2. Verbal Warning- after reasonable time is given to correct behavior, a mark is given.
3. Change student’s seat-after seat is changed if behavior continues mark 2 is given.
4. Send student to ISS/Office-administrative staff will determine if student returns to class. If student returns and behaviors continue, call office.
*appropriate staff will contact student’s parent/guardian
*Please note a student can skip any of these steps based on severity of behavior.
*Please send a student to Campus Coordinator, office or ISS with an escort.
Behavior Form Steps in a 6 weeks:
1st behavior form after receiving 4 or more marks in a week- Recess and/or lunch detention
2nd behavior form-period or ½ day ISS
3rd behavior form- ½ day, full day or multiple days
The following chart reflects the different categories of behaviors.
Mild / Moderate / SevereNo supplies-less than twice a week / Disrespectful towards adults-non-aggressive / Stealing
Gum chewing / Disruptive-noise making-throwing objects / Bullying
Talking when prohibited / Horse playing-pretend fighting-aggressive play-throwing objects-chasing / Fighting
Off-task-non-disruptive / Cheating-daily assignments-homework-forgery / Profanity
Tardiness-less than two times per six weeks / Inappropriate language-words that slip out or in conversation-not attention seeking-catch phrases-name calling / Cheating-major assignment/test
No Homework / No Weapons
Name calling/disrespecting-peers-first offense / Aggressive behavior-throwing furniture, hitting, kicking, biting, etc.
ISS: The In School Suspension (ISS) Room, is an option provided for teachers to use for disruptive students who need time to regain appropriate behavior.
a)Documentation of previous consequences should be completed on the referral form. The referral form and the student’s work (TEKS related) must accompany the student to the ISS Room. The ISS Aide will see that the student gets an appointment with the appropriate administrator. Do not recommend punishment to be administered.
b)An escort may walk the student in trouble to the ISS Room. Pupils shall never be unsupervised. They shall not be left in a classroom when the teacher is not present. Neither should they be punished by having to stand or sit outside the classroom.
c)If emergency help is needed, push the wall buzzer and state you need immediate assistance. Assistance will come to your room.
Corporal Punishment (spanking or paddling the student) may be used as a discipline management technique in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Corporal punishment will be governed by the following conditions and Board Policy {FO(LOCAL)}:
a)The student will be told the reason for the corporal punishment.
b)The punishment may be administered only by the principal.
c)The punishment will be administered in the presence of one other District Professional employee and out of the view of other students.
d)All instances of corporal punishment will be recorded.
DRESS AND GROOMING
Teachers are responsible for reading and following the District’s policy concerning professional dress guidelines. They can be found in DH (LOCAL)-A. Professional and paraprofessional employees should dress in a professionalmanner, rather than a casual manner, that solicits, respect for the individual and the profession as well as provides a positive role model for students. The wearing of jeans is not appropriate except on spirit days which are designated by the principal and approved by the superintendent. However, in an effort to maintain professional dress, employees are encouraged to wear khaki type slacks rather than jeans even on spirit days. In certain instances where job duties on a particular day will be such that jeans are more appropriate attire, the prinipal may approve the wearing of jeans for that instance. Shorts or skorts (at least to the top of the knee) may only be worn for a specific activity approved by the principal in advance. Length of dresses and skirts, including those worn over tights and leggings, must be at least to the top of the knee. Flip flops, clothing of spandex and like material and sleeveless clothing are not acceptable. Prinicpals/Directors may approve different dress guidelines for employess in special classes or work areas such as physical education or lifeskills teachers/aides or technology technicians. Physical education staff must wear cover-ups over shorts in areas other than those designated for physical education. The following dress has been approved for the following days: Friday- LCM spirit shirt with jeans, slacks or LCM wind suit.