Staff Handbook

2012-2013

Falfurrias Elementary School

Our Vision:

Empowering Creative Minds

A teacher’s purpose is not to create students in his own image, but to develop students who can create their own image. Author Unknown

Our Mission:

Providing a quality education for all learners.

A good teacher affects for an eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops. Author: Henry Adams Brooks

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  1. Personnel Listing
  1. PDAS Calendar
  1. FES Campus Information/Procedures
  1. Employee Policy Information
  1. Employee Dress Code
  1. Child Abuse
  1. Employee Standards of Conduct
  1. Employee Complaint & Grievances
  1. Senate Bill (SB) 2033 School District Grading Policy
  1. Emergency Codes
  1. STAAR Benchmark Schedule

FalfurriasElementary School

2012 – 2013 Personnel Staffing

Office:

Marie R. Vidaurri, Principal

Arnulfo Guerra, Assistant Principal

Nora Lopez, Counselor

LeeAnna Garza, Principal Secretary

Susana Soliz, PEIMS/Attendance Clerk

Pau-Lani Guerra, Nurse

Professional Staff:

Special Education: Fifth Grade Teachers:

Martha L. RuizDebra Garcia, ELA

Patsy Gonzalez Norma Garza, Math

Nelda A. Buenrostro*Isaac Salinas, Science & Social Studies

Frances Tamez, ELA/ESL

Lamar Moralez, Math

Olga Utley-Rodriguez, Science & Social Studies

Interventionist:

Physical Education Misty Benavidez, Reading/ESL

& Heath Teachers:Belinda Salinas, Reading/ESL

Marlena LopezRoel Escobar, Math

Ruben CantuLeticia Calderon, Math

Support Staff:

Second Grade Teachers:P.E. Aide:

Ann P. Martinez, ELA & S.S.Roxanna Mirelez

Claudia Cantu, Math & Science

Lisa Garcia, GT/ELA & Social StudiesSpecial Ed. Aides:

*Daisy Garza, Math & ScienceOlivia Esquivel

Aurora A. Garcia, ESL/ELA & Social Studies

Kristina Lopez, Math & Science

Third Grade Teachers:Library/Computer Aide:

*Bianca Cabrera, ELA & Social Studies Jennifer Guerra

Selena Trevino, GT Math & Science

Sandra Guerra, ELA & Social StudiesCustodians:

Sylvia Villarreal, Math & ScienceArnold Baker

Heather Gutierrez, ESL/ELA & Social StudiesRoy Vela

______, Math & ScienceMelba Perez

Homer Cavazos

Fourth Grade Teachers:

Veronica Cortez, ELA & STARR Writing

Carlos Cantu, Math & Science/Social Studies

Lida Gonzalez, GT ELA & STAAR Writing

Herlinda Moya Math & Science/Social StudiesCafeteria Monitor & Cross Guard:

*Lynda Martinez, Math & Science/Social StudiesBrian Garza (Cafeteria & Cross guard)

Estela Perez, ELA & STAAR Writing

*Lead & GT Teachers

100 E. Allen * Falfurrias, Texas 78355 * 361-325-8041 * Fax: 361-325- 3067

E.S.L. 2011-12 TEACHERS

2nd Grade: Alesia Garcia

3rd Grade: Heather Gutierrez

4th Grade: Estella Perez

5th Grade: Frances Tamez

G.T. & LEAD TEACHERS

2nd Grade: Kristina Lopez

3rd Grade: Bianca Cabrera

4th Grade: Carlos Cantu

5th Grade: Homer Salinas

Interventionist:

Misty Benavidez, Reading

Belinda Salinas, Reading

Roel Escobar, Math

Leticia Calderon, Math

Brooks County Independent School District

“United to Achieve Excellence in Education”

2012-2013PDAS Teacher Appraisal Calendar

August 20-24District Staff Development

August 27 – Sept. 17, 2012PDAS Teacher Orientation Window (Within 1st 3 weeks)

Deadline for Teacher Self-Report, Section I (Within the 1st 3 weeks from the day of completion of PDAS orientation)

September 17, 2011 Formal classroom PDAS observations may begin (no earlier than 3 weeks after orientation) Two week window required.

A written summary of each observation shall be given to teachers within ten (10) working days after the observation, with a pre- and post-observation conference at the request of the teacher or appraiser.

November 20, 2012Last instructional day before Thanksgiving Holidays

Student Early Release 1:00 pm

No observations on the day before or after a school holiday.

November 21 – 23, 2012Thanksgiving Holidays

December 21, 2012Last instructional day before Christmas vacation

Student Early Release 1:00 pm

No observations on the day before or after a school holiday.

Dec. 24 – Jan. 2, 2013Christmas Holidays

January 3, 2013Teacher Workday

March 8, 2013Last instructional day before Spring Break

No observations on the day before or after a school holiday.

March 11– 15, 2013Spring Break

No observations on the day before or after a school holiday.

March 27, 2013Last instructional day before Good Friday

No observations on the day before or after a school holiday.

March 28, 2013Good Friday

No observations on the day before or after a school holiday

PDAS Teacher Appraisal Calendar

Page 2

March 19– May 4, 2012 Appraisal Period for Summative Conferences

Written summative annual appraisal report shall be shared with the teacher no later than five (5) working days before summative conference.

Feb 27 - April 18, 2012Deadline for Teacher Self-Report, Section II and III. Section I revisions, if needed, to Principal. (At least two weeks prior to the summative annual conference.)

May 4, 2012 All primary appraisals/observations must have been completed.

May 4, 2012 All second appraisals/observations including the summative conference must be completed. (No later than 15 working days before the last day of instruction.)

May 31, 2013Last Day of Instruction

Student Early Release 1:00 pm

End of the Appraisal Period

The written annual summative report shall be placed in the teacher’s personnel file.

Note: Any documentation collected after the summative conference but before the end of the contract term during one school year may be considered as part of the appraisal of a teacher. If the documentation affects the teacher’s evaluation in any domain, another summative report shall be developed and another summative conference shall be held to inform the teacher of the change(s).

§DNA (LOCAL)Schedule Limitations: In addition to those days on which observations are prohibited by the law [see DNA (LEGAL], the District shall not schedule observations on the day before or the day after a school holiday, on days scheduled for end-of-year examinations, or days scheduled for TAKS, STAAR, or other standardized tests.

Falfurrias Elementary School Campus Information/Procedures

The 2012-2013 school year will be both exciting and challenging. As a hard working, dedicated, and caring teacher you will have the opportunity to set the example and make a difference in the lives of our students. Your successful teaching efforts will enable our students to seek additional knowledge and grow academically beyond our expectations. Let us all work together to empower each child to learn at his/her potential. Take pride in your work and enjoy knowing that you have embedded quality knowledge in their minds and most importantly that you have touched their hearts.

General:

  1. Work Day: 7:45-4:00 Monday – Thursday.

7:45-3:30 Fridays only.

All staff must clock in and out. Punctuality is of utmost importance.

  1. Administrative Staff: All classroom needs will be addressed to the principal or assistant principal. If neither is on campus, notify the secretaries; however, make every effort to contact a principal.
  2. Office Procedures: Only the principals, counselor, nurse, secretaries, and PEIMS clerk are allowed in the front office! All office business must be conducted from the counter. Most request forms may be found in the workroom in the office mailbox. If you are waiting for an ARD or to speak to office personnel, please wait in the lobby.
  3. Inventories: All staff is responsible for the fixed assets in their classrooms. Furniture, equipment, computers, tables, etc., cannot be moved or exchanged. Movement of fixed assets can only be done with administrative approval.
  4. Telephone Messages: Messages will be placed in the faculty mail boxes. For emergencies, you will be notified immediately.
  5. Teacher Absences: Contact Mrs.Vidaurri when you will be absent. An absence from duty request must be filled out and submitted to the secretaries for administrative approval. This needs to be done prior to appointments, etc. (preferably 2 or more days in advance). In the event of an emergency, contact LeeAnna Garza or Susana Soliz. Do not expect to find a substitute at the last minute. All Absence From Duty Reports will be held in the front office and must be signed upon returning.
  6. Contact Numbers:

Mrs. Marie Vidaurri455-1682

Mr. Arnulfo Guerra

Ms. Susana Soliz

Ms. LeeAnna Garza 522-3603

  1. Comp. Time and Extra Duty Pay: Written request/proposals must be made by the administration. These must have the principal’s, federal programs director, and superintendent’s approval before being awarded.
  2. Leaving Campus Early For Personal Reasons: Any request to leave before 4:00 p.m. on Mon.-Thurs. or on 3:30 Fri., will require a substitute unless due to extenuating/emergency circumstances.
  3. Leaving Campus During Conference Period/For School Business: Unless cleared by the principal or assistant principal, staff members should not leave the campus during their conference/planning period. The secretaries will not grant permission. Staff members having obtained permission or leaving on school business will have to clock out and in upon returning. Staff members are not to sign in/out for one another.
  4. Student Drop Off: Most students will be coming in on the south side and going to breakfast or to their waiting area. Gates will be locked at 8:00 a.m.
  5. Breakfast Duty: Coaches and cafeteria monitors will be on duty in the cafeteria at 7:30. Walk around and monitor the students behavior and breakfast manners. Address the students if necessary. Do not congregate, as being very visual will prevent problems. Remain on duty until all classes exit the cafeteria.
  6. Breakfast: All students will be eating breakfast in the cafeteria from 7:30-8:00. Teachers are to report to the cafeteria by 7:50 to begin exiting procedures.
  7. Announcements: Announcements will be made at 8:05. Remember to recognize our students for their accomplishments. Announcements will only be made if submitted on the Falfurrias Elementary Announcement Form. Announcements submitted late will be made the following day.
  8. Classrooms: Maintain an inviting classroom environment that is conducive to learning. Insist that students clean their work areas daily. Report classroom needs (AC, outlets, etc.) promptly on work orders. Report spills, ceiling tile replacements, burnt lighting, etc., to the custodians and administration. Let’s work with our custodians in order to maintain cleanliness and also to prevent health issues on campus.
  9. Instructional Day: Starts at 8:05 and ends at 3:30. Includes focused, bell to bell instruction.
  10. Instructional Schedule: Follow it as closely as possible as per lesson plans and time frames.
  11. Student Work: Non-graded student work needs to be displayed in the hallways or other designated areas throughout the school.
  12. Absentee Slips: All absences must be posted on GradeBook. Attendance will be taken at 9:30 a.m. A bell will ring at this time to remind teachers to input attendance. An Attendance Report will be issued to teachers at the end of everysix weeks to verify attendance. Sign and return to the attendance secretary.
  13. Tardy Slip: Use the orange slip to report tardies. These are due at 8:30.
  14. Attendance – Red Folder: All attendance information (excuses, etc.) will be kept in this folder. Teachers must submit documentation for unexcused absences on the Attendance Referral along with the Types of Excuses immediately in order to process the truancy warning and filing notices (View Red Folder). Only 3 parent written excuses are allowed. Excuses are not accepted after the 3 days have expired.
  15. Discipline: Classroom infractions need to be dealt with through your classroom management plan. Classroom infractions (Level 1s) and corresponding consequences need to be posted in your classrooms. Gum is one such infraction and it is not allowed in school. Severe/Persistent in- fractions need to be recorded on a referral. Referrals need to be completely filled out. Keep parents/guardians informed of their child’s behavior. Parent/guardian contact needs to be documented. If a child misbehaves often, keep a Student Discipline Log for that student. This needs to be turned in with your referral. For the severe/persistent infractions that are submitted, the assistant principal will also contact the parent/guardian. Referrals include factual information of incidences. Exclude opinion. Teachers will be asked for assignments for students in ISS.
  16. Dress Code – Students: Teachers need to conduct dress code checks first thing in the morning. Parents need to be contacted when violations occur. Persistent defiance will result in a referral.
  17. Cafeteria Count: The cafeteria count should be completed no later than 8:30 a.m. The cafeteria envelopes will be turned in directly to the cafeteria.
  18. Cafeteria Procedures: Teachers are to walk students to the cafeteria. Pick up students punctually at the end of their lunch period.
  19. Lunch: Follow the grade level lunch schedule. Teachers leaving the campus at this time must sign out and in on the sheet that will be found in the cafeteria.
  20. Lunch in the Work Room: Keep the tables, sink, refrigerator, microwave, etc. clean at all times. Dirty dishes are not to be left in the sink. Left overs should be put in the refrigerator, discarded, or taken home. All trash should be discarded.
  21. Refrigerator: The refrigerator will be cleared/cleaned regularly. Leftover food/drinks will be discarded by the end of the week. Label all personal items. Personal refrigerators are not allowed in the classrooms.
  22. Appliances: These are not allowed in the classroom.
  23. Work Room: This area needs to be kept clean. Remove all left over materials, bad copies, etc.

Return all equipment, supplies, etc. to the corresponding storage area/owner.

  1. Copier: Paper will be available in the workroom for the copies. The meter will be monitored every six weeks. Do not use the office copier without prior approval by the administration.
  2. Nurse: Students should have a note when sent to the nurse’s station. All parents will be contacted if a child is sick or injured. If the nurse is not available, teachers need to send written documentation when child gets a bruise, cut, or bump. Keep the administration informed of such incidences.
  3. Library: The library is an extension of the classroom. Classes will visit the library as per schedule.
  4. Videos/DVDs: Document the use of instructional videos/DVDs in your lesson plans. If for reward purposes, fill out the Video/DVD request form and obtain the principal’s approval.
  5. Fundraising: Basically, only one fundraiser will be done for the year by the whole campus. Money needs to be turned in daily to campus secretary.
  6. Student Telephone Use: Students can only use the phone for emergencies (illness, soiled clothing, etc.)
  7. Student Check Out: Parent/guardians must sign out their child(ren) in the front office. A Permit toLeave Building pass will be issued.
  8. Dismissal: Teachers are to escort their students out of the building daily. Remain with your students until 3:40 p.m. Students should not be left unattended. Students that are not picked up need to be brought to the office. The teacher needs to call the parent/guardian and remain with the student until the parent/guardian arrives.
  9. Student Pick Up: Gates will be open at 3:25 in preparation for dismissal. Students will be picked up in the following areas:

2nd Grade – South Parking Lot

3rd – Allen Street by the New Ward Building. On rainy days 3rd

Graders will be picked up in the S.Parking Lot.

4th – South Parking Lot

5th – North Parking Lot

  1. Snacks: They are not allowed for reward purposes during instructional time. The responsibility of snack privileges is handled by the principals or designated personnel. After school snacks are issued by the cafeteria and cannot be denied to a student. In case the question of birthday partysnacks arises, these can only be handed out at the end of the day as students walk out.
  2. After School Duty: All staff is on duty after school as per After School Assigned Duties map.
  3. Grade Level Meetings: Grade Level meetings need to be held for content planning/discussion/student progress. Other grade level meetings may be called as needed. All teachers need to attend as perprincipal’s and lead teacher’s request. Afterschool meetings will be held each Thursdays to ensure all lessons plans are prepared for and ready to be discussed on Friday during conference periods. Monday through Wednesday, during conference periods, will be mandatory PLC discussion meetings. Sign in sheets for these mandatory meetings will be kept by the Lead teachers.
  4. Faculty Meetings: Meetings will be held monthly or as needed. Instructional staff must attend and all other staff will attend as per request. Schedule appointments on non-staff meeting days.
  5. Textbooks: Teachers are to notify parents of lost textbooks. Every effort needs to be made to have parents pay for lost books. Textbooks issued need to be listed on Falfurrias ElementarySchool Textbook Listing Form by book identification number. Other textbook forms are found in the Staff Handbook, use as needed.
  6. Student/Parent/Teacher/Principal Compact: This form needs to be signed by all parties and turned in to the office by October 1st.
  7. Parent Contact Log: Establish good communications with your parents. Log in all parent contact (positive as well as negative, academic or behavior, etc.) per six weeks on the Parent Contact Log provided. These are to be turned to the office on the last Friday of each six weeks.
  8. Crisis Plan: All emergency procedures are found in your Crisis Planpackage. Six fire drills will be held as per schedule found in the plan. Post your fire drill map(s) by the door. Review procedures with your students. Everyone exits the building during drills.
  9. Lesson Plans: These need to be placed in the binders in the workroom before you leave on Thursday. Lesson plans will be reviewed regularly. Core teachers are to use the C-Scope VADS and IFDS. Lessons will be used a resource. Document what is being done for your special populations (special ed., ESL, GT, etc.).
  10. Gradebook to record grades/guidelines. Also print a hard copy of grades. The source of the grade must be documented. Two weekly grades must be taken for each subject. Grades mustbe valid and not cushioned. Parent conferences will be scheduled during progress reporting periods and at the end of the six weeks as needed. Have parents sign in for conferencing. The grading guidelines per six weeks are as follows:

Reading 10 Daily Grades 2 Test Grades Affects honor roll.

Language10 Daily Grades2 Test Grades Affects honor roll.