FLORANADA ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
"NATIONAL SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE"
STAFF HANDBOOK
2015-2016
JOHN VETTER, PRINCIPAL
DR. SHEILA K. LEWIS, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Greeting/Mission Statement i
Code of Ethics ii-iv
Accident Reports 1
Activities 1
Aides 1
Animals/Pets 1
Attendance 1, 2
Audio-Visual 3
Bus Transportation 3
Classroom Care 3
Clinic 3
Collection of Money 3
Committees 3
Communicable Disease 3
Communication 4
Correspondence 4
Conferences 4
Copying Materials 4
Critical Weather 5
Cumulative Records 5
Curriculum Contact Representatives 5
Custodial Responsibilities 5, 6
Discipline 6
Dismissal of Children 6
Dismissal (Emergency) 6
Dress & Attire 6
Drugs 7
Emergency Information 7
Equipment 7
Evaluations 7
Faculty Meetings 7
Field Trips / Excursions 7, 8, 9
Fire Drills 9
Food 9
Gifts/Parties 9
Guidance 9
Health 10
Homework 10, 11
Honor Roll 11, 12
Insurance 12
Intercommunication 12
Interim Progress Report 12
Laminating Machine 12
Leaves 12
Lesson Plans 13
Media Center 13
Parties 13
Playground 14, 15, 16
Phone Calls 17
Pony Express 17
Progress Reports 17
Promotion / Retention 17
Pupil Progression Plan 17
Recess 17
Room Mothers 17
School Improvement 18
Security 18
Standards of Behavior 18
Substitute Teachers 18
Sunshine 18
Supervision of Students 19
Supplies 19
Take Home Handouts 19
Teaching Certificates 19
Television 19
Temporary Duty Forms 19
Testing 19, 20
Textbooks 20
Tornado Procedures 20
Tutoring 20
Uniforms 20, 21
Vandalism or Property Damage 21
Visiting Teacher 21
Visitors 21
Weapons 22
Wearing Apparel 22
Withdrawal 22
Worker's Compensation 22
MISSION STATEMENT
Floranada Elementary - High Expectations, Achievement, Excellence!
Our Floranada Family challenges and empowers students to reach their highest potential by fostering creative thinking in a safe collaborative learning environment.
Please read this handbook thoroughly. School regulations, county policy, and state laws are the natural parameters within which we must operate. Knowledge of these fundamental guidelines will allow us to enjoy the true pleasures of our profession...... teaching children and working together.
CODE OF ETHICS
OF THE EDUCATION PROFESSION
Fla. Statutes 6B-1.001, 6B-1.006
1. The educator values the worth and dignity of every person, the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, acquisition of knowledge, and the nurture of democratic citizenship. Essential to the achievement of these standards are the freedom to learn and to teach and the guarantee of equal opportunity for all.
2. The educator's primary professional concern will always be for the student and for the development of the student's potential. The educator will therefore strive for professional growth and will seek to exercise the best professional judgment and integrity.
3. Aware of the importance of maintaining the respect and confidence of one's colleagues, of students, of parents, and of other members of the community, the educator strives to achieve and sustain the highest degree of ethical conduct.
PRINCIPLES OF PROFESSIONAL
CONDUCT FOR EDUCATORS
1. The following disciplinary rule shall constitute the Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida.
2. Violation of any of these principles shall subject the individual to revocation or suspension of the individual educator's certificate, or the other penalties as provided by law.
3. Obligation to the student requires that the individual:
a) Shall make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions harmful to learning and/ or to the student's mental and /or physical health and/ or safety.
b) Shall not unreasonably restrain a student from independent action in pursuit of learning.
c) Shall not unreasonably deny a student access to diverse points of view.
d) Shall not intentionally expose a student to unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement.
f) Shall not intentionally violate or deny a student's legal rights.
g) Shall not harass or discriminate against any student on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, handicapping condition, sexual orientation, or social and family background and shall make reasonable effort to assure that each student is protected from harassment or discrimination.
h) Shall not exploit a relationship with a student for personal gain or advantage
i) Shall keep in confidence personally identifiable information obtained in the course of professional service, unless disclosure serves professional purposes or is required by law
4. Obligation to the public requires that the individual:
a) Shall take reasonable precautions to distinguish between personal views and those of any educational institution or organization with which the individual is affiliated.
b) Shall not intentionally distort or misrepresent facts concerning an educational matter in direct or indirect public expression.
c) Shall not use institutional privileges for personal gain or advantage.
d) Shall accept no gratuity, gift, or favor that might influence professional judgment.
e) Shall offer no gratuity, gift, or favor to obtain special advantages.
5. Obligation to the profession of education requires that the individual:
a) Shall maintain honesty in all professional dealings.
b) Shall not on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, handicapping condition if otherwise qualified, or social and family background deny to a colleague professional benefits or advantages or participation in any professional organization.
c) Shall not interfere with a colleague's exercise of political or civil rights and responsibilities.
d) Shall not engage in harassment or discriminatory conduct which unreasonably interferes with an individual's performance of professional or work responsibilities or with the orderly processes of education or which creates a hostile, intimidating, abusive, offensive, or oppressive environment: and, further, shall make reasonable effort to assure that each individual is protected from such harassment or discrimination.
e) Shall not intentionally make false or malicious statements about a colleague.
f) Shall not use coercive means or promise special treatment to influence professional judgments of colleagues.
g) Shall not misrepresent one's own professional qualifications.
h) Shall not submit fraudulent information on any document in connection with professional activities.
i) Shall not make any fraudulent statement or fail to disclose a material fact in one's own or another's application for a professional position.
j) Shall not withhold information regarding a position from an applicant or misrepresent an assignment or conditions of employment.
k) Shall provide upon the request of the certificated individual a written statement of specific reason for recommendations that lead to the denial of increments, significant changes in employment, or termination of employment.
l) Shall not assist entry into or continuance in the profession of any person known to be unqualified in accordance with these Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida and other applicable Florida Statutes and State Board of Education Rules.
m) Shall self-report within 48 hrs to appropriate authorities (as determined by district) any arrests/charges involving the abuse of a child or the sale and/or possession of a controlled substance. Such notice shall not be considered an admission of guilt nor shall such notice be admissible for any purpose in any proceeding, civil or criminal, administrative or judicial, investigatory or adjudicatory. In addition, shall self-report any conviction, finding of guilt, withholding of adjudication, commitment to a pretrial diversion program, or entering a plea of guilty or Nolo Contendere for any criminal offense other than a minor traffic violation within 48 hrs after the final judgment. Section 9430585(4)(c) and 943.059(4)(c).
n) Shall seek no reprisal against any individual who has reported a violation of Florida School Code or State Board of Education Rules as defined in Section 231.28(1), Florida Statutes.
o) Shall comply with the conditions of an order of the Education Practices Commission imposing probation, imposing a fine, or restricting the authorized scope of practice.
p) Shall, as the supervising administrator, cooperate with the Education Practices Commission in monitoring the probation of a subordinate.
Specific Authority 229.053(1),231.546(2)(b) FS Law Implemented 231.546(2) FS.
Revised 8/01-BK
ACCIDENT REPORTS
When any individual appears to be injured, make the person comfortable and notify the office. (Do not move the victim). In an emergency, follow the prescribed procedures outlined in the SIP Safety Plan. If a child is injured, immediately complete a "Student Accident Report Form". Report all hazardous conditions to the custodian and office.
See also "Workers Compensation" section of this handbook.
ACTIVITIES/EVENT PLANNING
All student activities & events must receive administrative approval. (Parties, assemblies, classroom guests, tournaments, etc.)
AIDES
Adult aides are used to supervise children before and after school, during the lunch period, and to assist teachers.
ANIMALS/PETS
All animals or pets are not permitted on campus.
ATTENDANCE/PUNCTUALITY
Student hours will be from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (second bell rings at 8:00. This is the late bell!) Teacher hours will be from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
STUDENTS
It is the responsibility of instructional personnel to keep accurate attendance/tardiness records for classroom use and for transmission to the office. Attendance must be taken daily using Pinnacle by 8:10. Attendance cards should be marked according to the coding on Pinnacle. On the child's first day of attendance an "E" is marked under the correct month/date. An "X" is marked when a child is absent. A circle is marked around the center of the "X" when a child is tardy. Students who are tardy must get a tardy pass from the office before being admitted to class.
Children should bring a note from parents after being absent. Excused absences include:
1. Illness of the student/ or member of the immediate family. (Doctor's note is required.)
2. Death in the family.
3. Absence requested by parent(s)/guardian, provided prior arrangements
have been made with and approved by the principal or designee.
4. Religious holiday(s) of the specific faith of the student.
5. Subpoena by any law enforcement agency.
In all instances, when a student has accrued three (3) or more unexcused absences, teachers are required to immediately notify the student's parent and initiate/document remedial intervention.
Tardiness must be monitored and it is the teacher's responsibility to notify the parent after the third unexcused tardy (See tardy incentive policy in students' first day packet.). Instructional personnel are required to maintain a file and record for all excused absences/tardiness.
Resource & Special teachers must take daily attendance and record such in their plan books (Speech, VE, etc.)
TEACHERS/ESP’s
Staff and ESP’s members are to notify the school if they will be tardy or absent. Recorded messages are unacceptable. In an emergency, call or have someone call for you at the earliest opportunity. If a planned absence, notify the office manager and be sure to sign the "Certificate of Absence Form" indicating the nature of the leave/absence. If tardy, report to the office secretary upon arrival on campus. Teachers should contact the computerized substitute service when a sub is needed. Employees are compensated for approved sick leave, Jury Duty and for personal reasons. It is the individual staff member's responsibility to keep record of his/her absences/leaves.
Absences before or after paid holidays and vacation periods require administration approval.
On the day of any absence, notify the designated sub secretary prior to 2:00 pm and indicate if you will be returning the next day. Requests to leave early or during the day must be submitted and approve by administration prior to leaving campus.
AUDIO-VISUAL
The media clerk serves as the key person in coordinating A.V. materials and equipment. Many materials and services are available through the County Materials Center and Graphics Department. Discuss any media needs or ideas with your media clerk.
All classroom video presentations other than those obtained through the media center must be pre-approved by school administration.
Teachers are encouraged to learn to operate as many A.V. machines as possible. Personnel should fill out a School Property Pass for any equipment removed from the building.
BUS TRANSPORTATION
Broward County provides bus transportation for students living more than two miles from the school. Detailed information such as schedules will be provided at the beginning of each year.
CLASSROOM CARE
It is the responsibility of instructional personnel to establish a neat, clutter free, and attractive classroom environment for student learning that encourages proper pupil respect for neatness and order. Report problems to the custodian or administration.
CLINIC
All students sent to the clinic must have a completed clinic pass. Get your clinic pass ASAP
COLLECTION OF MONEY
All requests to collect money must be approved by administration.
COMMITTEES
Committee assignments are normally made at the beginning of each school year. Committees are formed as needed to promote a cooperative approach to problems, needs and objectives. Committee responsibilities should be shared among faculty and staff.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE/INFESTATIONS
School Board policy requires that students suspected of having a communicable disease not return to school prior to physical examination or submittal of a Dr.'s approval.
COMMUNICATION
Faculty and grade level meetings are important for coordinating activities and instructional planning in a well-organized school. The monthly calendar (posted on the CAB desktop) will reflect scheduled days and times of all such meetings. Please reserve these days. Attendance is required.
Information is passed on to staff via written bulletins, posted announcements, by intercom and e-mail. Employees are requested to check their mailboxes and e-mail in the morning and in the afternoon. (Mailboxes are located in the office).
· E-mail - Please read SBBC Policy #5306 - Acceptable use of Online
Telecommunications on the intranet.
CORRESPONDENCE
All written communication must be submitted for administrative approval before distribution. Requests for official school letterhead paper must have principal approval.
CONFERENCES
Conferences are an important part of reporting pupil progress to parents and can be of great help in furthering home/school understandings.
Teachers must hold a minimum of two conferences with parents each school year. A person-to-person conference is always most desirable however, there are times that this is impossible. At such times a telephone conference will be acceptable. All conferences must be documented on School Board Conference forms, signed (note if telephone conf.) and filed immediately in the student's cum folder.