2013 2014 employee handbook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART ONE: Employment Policies

WELCOME ........................................................................................................................1

MISSION STATEMENT ................................................................................................... 3

CORE VALUES ................................................................................................................ 3

ACCREDITATION ............................................................................................................5

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS PHILOSOPHY .................................................................... 6

INTRODUCTORY PERIOD...............................................................................................7

IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM ...........................................................................................8

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY ..................................................... 9

HARASSMENT POLICY ................................................................................................10

EVALUATIONS ..............................................................................................................12

PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT PALN ………………………………………….. 12

BENEFITS ........................................................................................................................13

PAY....................................................................................................................................13

SALARIED EXEMPT EMPLOYEES AND DEDUCTIONS ..........................................13

HOLIDAYS .......................................................................................................................15

SICK/PERSONAL LEAVE ..............................................................................................15

VACATION ......................................................................................................................18

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE ................................................................................................19

LEAVE OF ABSENCE .....................................................................................................20

FMLA ................................................................................................................................20

VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LEAVE ............................................................28

MILITARY LEAVE ..........................................................................................................29

LEAVE FOR CIVIC DUTY ..............................................................................................30

MEDICAL, LIFE, DISABILITY AND DENTAL INSURANCE ....................................30

RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN ....................................................................................31

COBRA ………………………………………………………………………………….31

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT ........................................................................................31

TUITION REMISSION .....................................................................................................32

WORKER’S COMPENSATION ......................................................................................32

YEARS OF EMPLOYMENT BONUS .............................................................................32

SUNSHINE FUND ............................................................................................................33

CREDIT UNION ...............................................................................................................33

RULES TO PROTECT US ALL .......................................................................................34

ABSENTEEISM AND TARDINESS ...............................................................................34

CELLULAR/SMART PHONE/PDA’S AND OTHER HAND HELD ELECTRIC

DEVICES ………………………………………………………………………………. 34

CHILD ABUSE REPORTING OBLIGATIONS ..............................................................36

COMMUNICATION AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS SECURITY AND USAGE .........37

PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF THE SCHOOL’S COMMUNICATION AND

COMPUTER SYSTEMS SECURITY AND USAGE POLICY ………………………. 41

BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST .................................................41

CONFIDENTIALITY........................................................................................................42

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT ...........................................................................................43

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS ..........................................................................43

DAMAGE TO PROPERTY ..............................................................................................43

DRUG AND ALCOHOL ..................................................................................................43

FIGHTING, THREATS AND WEAPONS .......................................................................44

FRAUD, DISHONESTY AND FALSE STATEMENTS .................................................44

GENERAL BULLETIN BOARDS ...................................................................................45

GIFTS AND GRATUITIES ..............................................................................................45

HAZING/BULLING/HARRASMENT AMONG STUDENTS ………………………..45

INSPECTION OF PROPERTY .........................................................................................46

INSUBORDINATION ......................................................................................................46

INTERACTION AND COMMUNICATION WITH STUDENTS ..................................46

LEAVING THE BUILDING .............................................................................................48

MISUSE OF PROPERTY .................................................................................................48

OVERTIME .......................................................................................................................48

OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT ..............................................................................................49

TELEPHONE USAGE ......................................................................................................49

PUBLIC RELATIONS ......................................................................................................49

REFERENCE REQUESTS ……………………………………………………………..50

SLEEPING AND INATTENTION ...................................................................................50

SECURITY ........................................................................................................................50

SMOKING .........................................................................................................................51

SOCIAL MEDIA/NETWORKING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES............................51

SOLICITATION AND DISTRIBUTION .........................................................................53

THEFT ...............................................................................................................................53

TIMEKEEPING PROCEDURES ......................................................................................53

TRANSPORTATION OF STUDENTS ............................................................................54

UNLAWFUL ACTIVITY .................................................................................................54

WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY ………………………………………………………….54

PERSONNEL FILES .........................................................................................................56

DRESS CODE ...................................................................................................................57

KEYS .................................................................................................................................58

MAINTENANCE ISSUES ................................................................................................58

SAFETY (DISRUPTIVE INCIDENTS) ..........................................................................59

SEPARATION POLICIES ................................................................................................61

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ........................................................................................... 62-63

PART TWO: Faculty Procedures and Policies

ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL FUNCTIONS ..................................................................64

STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS .....................................................................................64

TEACHER WORK DAYS ................................................................................................64

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE DAYS .................................................................64

NOON DISMISSALS ........................................................................................................65

FACULTY MEETINGS ....................................................................................................65

PROFESSIONALISM .......................................................................................................66

AFTER SCHOOL ..............................................................................................................68

ATTENDANCE .................................................................................................................69

CHAPEL COMPANION ...................................................................................................71

MASTER/PHD BONUS ....................................................................................................72

BOARD OF TRUSTEES ...................................................................................................73

BOOKING OF ROOMS ....................................................................................................74

CERTIFICATION .............................................................................................................75

CHAPEL SERVICES ........................................................................................................76

CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT .....................................................................................78

CLASSROOM EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS .........................................................79

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT .....................................................................................80

CLASSROOM PARTIES ..................................................................................................82

CLEANING SERVICES ...................................................................................................83

COLLECTION OF MONEY .............................................................................................84

COMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................................85

COMMUNCATION AND REPORT CARDS ..................................................................86

CORRESPONDENCE .......................................................................................................88

CRISIS MANAGEMENT .................................................................................................89

CUMULATIVE FOLDERS ..............................................................................................90

CURRICULUM .................................................................................................................91

END OF DAY....................................................................................................................92

EXCUSE FROM CLASS ..................................................................................................93

HOMEROOM COORDINATORS ...................................................................................94

HOMEWORK....................................................................................................................95

LESSON PLANS ...............................................................................................................98

LIBRARY AND MEDIA CENTER ..................................................................................99

MARKING AND GRADING .........................................................................................100

NOTICES .........................................................................................................................101

PLANNING PERIODS ...................................................................................................102

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND TRAVEL GUIDELINES ..........................103

PROGRESS NOTICES ...................................................................................................105

RESOURCES ..................................................................................................................106

RETENTION ...................................................................................................................107

SCHOOL HOURS ...........................................................................................................108

STAFF CHILDREN ........................................................................................................109

STANDARDIZED TESTS ..............................................................................................110

SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS ....................................................................................111

TEACHER ASSOCIATES ..............................................................................................112

TEACHERS’ LOUNGE ..................................................................................................113

TEACHING HOURS.......................................................................................................114

TRAFFIC DUTY .............................................................................................................115

TUTORING .....................................................................................................................116

VOLUNTEERS ...............................................................................................................117

WORK FOLDER .............................................................................................................118

Part Three: Faculty Interaction with Students

ACCIDENT AND INJURIES .........................................................................................119

ARTICULATION ............................................................................................................120

BEHAVIOR OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM.................................................................121

BIRTHDAYS ...................................................................................................................122

EARLY ARRIVAL OF STUDENTS ..............................................................................123

EARLY PICK-UP OF STUDENTS ................................................................................124

EXTENDED DAY...........................................................................................................125

AFTER SCHOOL CARE ................................................................................................126

STUDY HALL.................................................................................................................127

FIELD TRIPS ..................................................................................................................128

FREE PLAY ....................................................................................................................129

LOST AND FOUND .......................................................................................................130

LUNCH TIME .................................................................................................................131

MEDICATION ................................................................................................................132

PRAYER ..........................................................................................................................133

SEPERATED OR DIVORCED PARENTS OF STUDENTS ........................................134

RELEASING A CHILD TO A NON-CUSTODIAL PARENT ......................................134

RELEASING A CHILD TO A RELATIVE OR FRIEND .............................................135

STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM/LEARNING RESOURCE ROOM ………………….. 136

UNIFORMS .....................................................................................................................137

APPENDIX 1*

School Calendar

Calendar Outlining ‘blackout’ dates, staff development and holidays

Floor Plan of School

First Floor

Second Floor

Fire Evacuation Routes

Maintenance Form

Room Request Form/Special Events/A/V Equipment Request Form

Field Trip Request Form/Field Trip Permission Form

Purchase Order Form

Check Request Form

APPENDIX 2*

R.E.A.L. Code of Conduct/Acceptable Use Policy

Teacher/Staff Absence Form/Professional Development Absence Request Form

Special Area Student Information Form

Health Room Pass

Student Injury Report Form

Authorization of Medication Form

Travel Expense Form

Out of Uniform Notice

Interim Progress Report

Notice of After-School Detention Form

APPENDIX 3*

Types of Abuse

*These documents can be found in the printed copy of the employee handbook located in Human Resources Office

Revised 2013 Page 1

WELCOME

Welcome to St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School. We are sure you will find this to be a

very caring and supportive environment. Our school was founded in 1953, and since then,

we have grown from a small Little Learner’s Preschool, to a fully accredited elementary

school servicing three year olds through fifth graders.

We are delighted that you are on our faculty/staff and look forward to a mutually

satisfying relationship. While our first responsibility is to the students at St. Thomas, it is

also very important that our faculty/staff feels valued, productive, and happy. We are

dedicated to continuing what we believe to be an excellent employee relations program.

We will do our best to maintain good work conditions, competitive wages and benefits,

open communications, and employee involvement.

Over the years, St. Thomas has earned a fine reputation. We know that this is a direct

result of the loyalty, commitment and continued efforts of our employees.

This Handbook has been prepared to acquaint you with our School, and to give you a

ready reference to answer most of the questions regarding your employment with us. We

intend for this Handbook to offer two-way communication: what you can expect from us,

and what we expect from you. However, the contents of this handbook constitute only a

summary of the employee benefits, personnel policies, and employment regulations in

effect at the time of publication. This Handbook supersedes all previous handbooks,

policies and practices, which are in any way inconsistent with the contents of this

Handbook. The School reserves the right to interpret the contract of this Handbook.

Finally, this Handbook should not be construed as creating any kind of “employment

contract,” since the School reserves the right to add, change or delete benefits and

policies as it deems appropriate. This is a working document, and changes in policy and

procedure are made only after careful consideration. From time to time amendments will

be issued. If you are in any doubt whether an official change has been made, please check

with the Administration before you take action.

If you are employed under contract with the School, you should refer to your contract

regarding specific terms outlined therein concerning the duration of your employment.

The provisions of this Handbook supplement your duties and responsibilities to the

School as outlined in your contract.

If you are not employed under a contract with the School, this Handbook does not alter

the “at-will” nature of your employment. You have the right to terminate your

employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, and the School has the same

right. Your status as an “at-will” employee may not be changed, except in writing, signed

by the Head of School.

Revised 2013 Page 2

St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School is a church parish school, and as such is an outreach

ministry of the St. Thomas Episcopal Parish.

In order to ensure the orderly operation of the School, the Vestry has established a Board

of Trustees, under the direction of a Chairman. The ultimate responsibility for

St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School resides with the Rector, Wardens, and Vestry of the

Parish of St. Thomas.

The Head of School is in overall charge of the operation of the School and is responsible

to the Rector and the Board of Trustees. Specific areas of responsibility include: finance,

curriculum, general policy, alumni, School personnel, public relations, School

counseling, admissions, discipline, and liaison between the Rector, Vestry, Board of

Trustees, and faculty and staff. While the Head of School may delegate specific areas of

responsibility, in the final analysis, s/he is accountable for carrying out established

policy.

Revised 2013 Page 3

MISSION STATEMENT

St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School is a secure and loving community that nurtures and

challenges children. We teach children to honor God, respect others and themselves, care

for their world, and develop a lasting enthusiasm for discovering and learning.

CORE VALUES

● Episcopal School Values

● Academic, Lifelong Learning

● Inclusive and Diverse Community

● Nurturing Environment for the Whole Child

● Global Citizenship

● Sustainability

CORE VALUE STATEMENTS

Christian Values: As an Episcopal parish school, we honor God through Jesus Christ

and welcome, respect, and celebrate diversity of faith and culture. We integrate spiritual

and ethical values in our children’s lives through participation in daily liturgical services

and by modeling Christian behavior.

The School Community: Our school community consists of teachers, administrators,

clergy, staff, trustees, vestry, parents, and children who care for, support, and

communicate with each other. Our school and church work together as a parish to

transform lives through actions that enhance our relationship with God, with each other,

and with our community.

The Whole Child: We are committed to educating the whole child – intellectually,

spiritually, socially, emotionally, and physically – and in so doing, instilling in our

students a sense of well-being and fulfillment, and a desire to work toward worthy goals.

Life Skills in our Global Community: In this rapidly changing world, we strive to

anticipate the needs of our global community and to give our children a strong foundation

for the future. In addition to reading, writing, math, the sciences, and the arts, we

emphasize creativity and independent thought. We build self-confidence and foster a

lasting enthusiasm for learning by making the educational process a balance of work and

play.

Revised 2013 Page 4

An Atmosphere for Learning: Children thrive in an atmosphere that is affirming. As

they grow older, they need to develop skills for the more competitive atmosphere they

will encounter in life. Cooperative and healthy interaction among students helps them to

develop problem-solving skills and to acknowledge the innate worth of all members of

the community. Our school culture encourages the embracing of challenges and teaches

that failure is an opportunity for growth.

An Integrated Curriculum: Our integrated curriculum meets the needs of differing

learning styles and allows children to develop their own talents and gifts. The curriculum

makes connections among all subject areas, including social sciences, the arts,

performance, and physical activities. Students learn to use technology as part of a rich

learning experience and as an important preparation for their future.

Classrooms and Teachers: Children learn best when placed in classrooms with small

class size, where they can receive individual attention by teachers selected for their

dedication, professionalism, and love for children. Students learn comfortably when they

feel safe and secure and are members of a loving environment.

Citizenship: We teach our students to respect others and themselves, looking beyond

their own needs to those of others. Building on this foundation, our students will be

prepared to be good citizens in their future local, national, and international communities,

and to be responsible stewards of their environment.

A Sustainable Future: We are committed to solid foundational values and principles so

that our school can provide an excellent education for future children. A sustainable

school is built upon high quality leadership from the Board of Trustees, administration,

and faculty; strong reserves; prudent financial policies, including financial aid; and

respect for the world around us.

Revised 2013 Page 5

ACCREDITATION

St. Thomas is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools, the Florida

Kindergarten Council, and is a member of the National Association of Episcopal Schools,

the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and the National

Association of Independent Schools. The Florida Council of Independent Schools and

Florida Kindergarten Council send representatives to the school every five (5) years to

observe and evaluate our programs in order to maintain accreditation. These agencies

have certain standards and policies to which the school must adhere. Every staff member

is responsible for assisting in the preparation of the ‘Self Study’ for these evaluation

visits.

In addition, the Administration encourages all teachers to seek membership in

organizations of professional interest.

Revised 2013 Page 6

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS PHILOSOPHY

We are dedicated to continuing what we believe to be an excellent employee relations

program. We will do our best to maintain good working conditions, competitive wages

and benefits, open communications, and employee involvement.

Over the years, this School has earned a fine reputation in our field. We know that our

reputation is a direct result of the loyalty, commitment and continued efforts of our

employees.

Revised 2013 Page 7

INTRODUCTORY PERIOD

For every new employee, the first ninety (90) days of full-time employment is a trial

period for both you and the School. This period is to allow you to learn about the

School, your job, and your new surroundings. Your Division Head will be available to

answer any questions that you may have.

During this period your job performance, attendance, attitude and overall interest in your

job will be carefully reviewed by your Division Head. The School will then evaluate

your performance and make a decision concerning your continued employment.

If, as a result of an illness or injury, you are absent from work for more than five days

during your Introductory Period, we may choose to extend your Introductory Period as

necessary to give you a fair opportunity to demonstrate your ability to do the job. If your

Introductory Period is extended, you will be notified.

Should an employee's performance become unsatisfactory at any time during this trial

period, the employee will be placed on a Performance Plan or will be subject to

termination.

Revised 2013 Page 8

IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM

If there is something about your job that is bothering you, let us get it out in the open and

discuss it. We cannot answer your question or solve your problem unless you tell us

what it is we can do.

Our “Problem Solving Procedure” will offer all employees the freedom to discuss

anything they wish with their Division Head. Whenever you have a problem, it can

usually be resolved by following these steps:

1. Any concern should first be discussed with your immediate Division Head. Very

often, your Division Head is in the best position to handle your problem

satisfactorily.

2. If your Division Head cannot solve the problem of if you are not satisfied after

Step 1, you should request to speak to Human Resources.

3. If you still feel the need to speak to other members of management after you have

spoken with your Division Head and Human Resources, we encourage you to

speak to the Associate Head of School.

4. In the event you have a concern, and for personal reasons you cannot follow the

steps in this procedure, you may request to go directly to the Head of School. The

Head of School is available for advice and assistance in solving your problem at

any time.

When you inform us of a concern or problem, we will try to answer you as soon as

possible under the circumstances.

Revised 2013 Page 9

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY

We are committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices,

including selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation, to all qualified

applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, sex, national origin,

citizenship status, marital status, religion, disability/handicap, or any other protected

status in accordance with the requirements of all federal, state, and local laws, unless a

particular status protected by federal, state, or local laws contradicts the deeply held

religious convictions of the School or the church. If you believe you have been treated

inconsistently with this policy, please immediately report your concern to Human

Resources. You will not be retaliated against for bringing forth a complaint in good faith.

DISABILITY ACOMMODATION

The School is committed to complying with the laws protecting qualified individuals with

disabilities. The School will provide a reasonable accommodation for any known

physical or mental disability of a qualified individual with a disability to the extent

required by law, provided the requested accommodation does not create an undue

hardship for the School and/or does not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of

others in the workplace and/or to the individual. If you require an accommodation to

perform the essential functions of your job, you must notify Human Resources. Once the

School is aware of the need for an accommodation, the School will engage in an

interactive process to identify possible accommodations that will enable the employee to

perform the essential functions of the job.

Revised 2013 Page 10

HARASSMENT POLICY

We do not and will not tolerate unlawful harassment of our employees or students. The

term “harassment” includes, but is not limited to, slurs, jokes, and other verbal, graphic or

physical conduct relating to an individual’s race, color, sex, religion, national origin,

citizenship, age, or disability. “Harassment” also includes sexual advances, requests for

sexual favors, offensive touching, and other verbal, graphic or physical conduct of a

sexual nature.

Violation of this policy will subject an employee to disciplinary action up to, and

including termination.

If you feel that you are being harassed in any way by a coworker, parent, or by an

employee of a vendor/contractor, you must notify one of the individuals designated

below immediately. In addition, if you believe that a student is being harassed in any

way by an employee, parent, student, or by an employee of a vendor, you must notify one

of the individuals designated below immediately. Any such matter will be thoroughly

investigated, and where appropriate, disciplinary action will be taken,

You should also be aware that no Division Head or other member of our administrative

team is authorized to make any employment decision based in any way on an employee’s

submission to or rejection of sexual conduct or advances. No Division Head or other

member of our administrative team has the authority to suggest to any employee that the

employee’s continued employment or future advancement will be affected in any way

because the employee enters into or refuses to enter into any form of sexual or other

personal relationship with the Division Head or member of our administrative team. No

Division Head or member of our administrative team may coerce an employee into a

sexual relationship and then reward the employee. No Division Head may take

disciplinary action against an employee or deny a promotion, transfer, award, etc. to an

employee because he or she has rejected sexual advances.

In addition, no faculty member or other employee is authorized to make any academic or

disciplinary decision based in any way on a student’s submission to or rejection of sexual

conduct or advances. No faculty member or other employee has the authority to suggest

to any student that the student’s continued attendance or future advancement will be

affected in any way because the student enters into or refuses to enter into a form of

sexual or other personal relationship with the faculty member or other employee. If you

believe that a Division Head, member of our administrative team, employee, parent,

customer, or vendor/contractor has acted inconsistently with this policy, please

immediately contact either (1) Human Resources, or (2) Head of School.

You will not be penalized in any way or unlawfully retaliated against for making a

good faith report of improper conduct. If you believe you have been retaliated against

for making a good faith complaint of improper conduct, you must immediately report


your concern to one of the persons listed above. Please do not assume that the School is

aware of your problem. You must bring your complaints and concerns to our attention so

that we can resolve them.


EVALUATIONS

All employees will receive at least one annual review. New employees who have been

counseled about performance issues may receive more frequent evaluations, until

performance has improved. Evaluation results will be considered by the School in

determining whether to continue an employee’s employment. The evaluation will take

into consideration all aspects of your performance and responsibilities. Evaluations of

teachers will be conducted by the Head of School, Associate Head of School, and/or

Director of Academics.

PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT PLAN (PIP)

The Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) is designed to facilitate constructive discussion

between an employee and his/ her Division Head to clarify the work performance or

behavior to be improved.

The PIP is implemented, at the discretion of the Division Head, when it becomes

necessary to help an employee improve his/ her performance and or behavior. The

purpose of the activities outlined is to help the employee attain the desired level of

performance.


BENEFITS

Pay

Your yearly salary is divided into twenty-four (24) pay periods. All payments are issued

on the 15th

and 30th

of each month. If the pay date should fall on a weekend or holiday,

your paycheck will be issued on the work date closest to the 15th

and the 30th

.

It is required that you have your paycheck deposited directly to the financial institution of

your choice. In that regard, you can elect to have a portion of our paycheck deposited

directly to your savings account, in a tax-sheltered annuity, or other types of accounts.

You may obtain forms and additional information about the direct deposit options from

Human Resources. To participate in direct deposit, you must give Human Resources

avoided personal check. This will give your bank details in order to arrange your direct

deposit.

Faculty receives the first payment of the school year on August 30. Staff receives the first

payment on July 15.

Salaried-Exempt Employees and Deductions

The School treats certain employees as being “salaried-exempt,” meaning among other

things that they are executive, administrative, or professional employees (except teachers)

paid on a “salary basis” who are exempt from the minimum-wage, overtime, and

timekeeping requirements of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. For purposes of

FLSA compliance, this policy describes what it means to be paid on such a “salary basis”

and describes certain salary deductions which are prohibited or permitted. A complaint

procedure is also provided. Note that this policy does not apply to teachers, even if

teachers are paid on a salaried basis.

General Rule: Being paid on a “salary basis” means that generally the employee

regularly receives a predetermined amount of pay which is not subject to reduction

because of variations in the quality or quantity of work performed. Subject to the

exceptions listed below under Permissible Deductions, such a salaried-exempt employee

will receive the full salary for any workweek in which the employee performs any work,

without regard to the number of days or hours worked. Under this general rule,

deductions from the employee’s predetermined salary will not be made for absences

occasioned by the School or by the operating requirements of the business. (Note: If an

employee does not work for an entire workweek, the employee need not be paid the

salary for that workweek. If an employee is absent for part of a workweek and receives

paid leave for the absence, such leave pay is deemed to be part of the salary payment.)


Permissible Deductions: In the following circumstances, a salaried-exempt

employee’s salary may be reduced:

1. Proportional deductions may be made for whole-day absences due to

personal reasons other than sickness or disability. For example, if an

employee is absent for two whole days to handle personal affairs, the

salary may be reduced for two whole-day absences.

2. Proportional deductions may be made for whole-day absences due to

sickness or disability (including accidents) in accordance with the

School’s policy of providing compensation for loss of salary due to such

sickness or disability. For example, deductions for such full-day absences

may be made when the employee has not yet qualified for benefits under

the sick/disability plan and when the employee has exhausted such

benefits.

3. The School may offset against the employee’s salary any amounts

received by the employee as jury fees, witness fees, or military pay for the

particular workweek. Other than such offsets, salary deductions will not

be made for absences within a workweek caused by jury duty, attendance

as a witness, or temporary military leave.

4. Salary deductions may be made for penalties imposed in good faith for

infractions of safety rules of major significance. Such deductions are for

violations of major safety rules including those relating to the prevention

of serious danger in the workplace or to other employees.

5. Salary deductions may be made for unpaid disciplinary suspensions of one

or more full days imposed in good faith for infractions of workplace

conduct rules. This refers to suspensions imposed pursuant to the

School’s written policy applicable to all employees regarding serious

work-related misconduct.

6. The School may pay a proportionate part of the employee’s full salary for

the time actually worked in the first week of employment or the last week

of employment.

7. When a salaried-exempt employee takes unpaid leave under the Family

and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the School may pay a proportionate part

of the salary for the time actually worked in the workweek.

Prohibited Deductions/Complaint Procedure. In accordance with the General Rule, the

School prohibits any other kind of salary reductions based upon the quantity or quality of

work performed (i.e. such reductions other than those described under Permissible

Deductions). If a salaried-exempt employee experiences a salary reduction and believes

that it violates this policy, the employee is expected to report this promptly to the payroll


administrator. The employee will not be penalized in any way for making such a

complaint. It is the School’s policy to reimburse the employee for any such improper

salary reduction.

This policy is intended solely to implement FLSA regulatory requirements and is not to

be considered any type of contract.

Holidays

Employees should refer to the School calendar to determine which holidays are observed

each year. All full-time employees will receive recognized School holidays off with pay,

any time they fall on the employee’s regular workday. Employees will be paid as

holiday pay the same number of hours that they generally work on a work day, not to

exceed eight (8) hours. For example, if an employee normally works five (5) hours per

day, he/she will be paid for five (5) hours on a holiday that falls on the employee’s

regular workday. To be eligible for holiday pay, you must have been employed for at

least 90 days and you must work your last scheduled day before the holiday and your first

scheduled day after the holiday.

Sick/Personal Leave – (Revised June 2010)

The School realizes that there are some times when an employee simply cannot be at

work because of personal illness, caring for family members, religious observance and

business matters. To help ensure that illness or personal needs do not affect an

employee’s financial well-being, the School provides a sick/personal leave benefit as a

form of income security for the welfare and protection of employees. Sick/personal leave

is a privilege and a benefit, not a right. Employees are directly responsible for legitimate

use of sick/personal leave. The taking of sick/personal leave under false pretenses is a

serious violation of School policy. An employee’s use of sick/personal leave (excused or

unexcused) may be taken into consideration in the individual’s periodic performance

rating for pay increases, promotion, and continuation of employment.

Eligibility and Rate of Accrual: Effective July 1, 2010, full-time employees will

accrue/earn up to ten (10) sick/personal leave days for the year based at the rate of one

day per month at the end of each month starting with July 30 and through April 30.

Sick/personal leave days should be used before the end of the fiscal year (June 30).

Employees who are hired after July 1 of any year will accrue sick/personal days in the

same way (i.e., one day per month beginning with the 30th

day of the month hired), but

are not eligible to take any sick/personal days until completion of the 90 day Introductory

Period. Therefore, if an employee was hired on September 1, he/she will have accrued

three (3) sick/personal days by December 1 (the 90 day anniversary) and will be able to

take them beginning December 2.


Employees who have worked for the School at least one full year may borrow against the

maximum sick/personal days they will be eligible to earn in any school year (July 1 to

April 30) with the approval from the Head of School. That is, an employee who will be

eligible for ten (10) sick/personal days during the period of July 1 to April 30 could use

those days during the month of September even though the employee will not yet have

accrued the ten (10) days in September. If the employee terminates from the School prior

to April 30, i.e., prior to accruing the ten (10) days, the employee will be required to pay

back any advanced sick/personal leave not earned.

Hourly employees may take sick/personal leave in a minimum of one-hour increments.

For attendance recording purposes of exempt employees, sick/personal leave time will be

counted in half or full day increments.

Sick/personal days do not carry over from year to year. However, for Faculty employees

only (with the exception of any faculty staff that does not require a substitute when

they are absent), the School will pay up to a maximum of five unused sick/personal

leave days per fiscal year, at a rate of $50 a day.

Paid sick/personal leave does not count as “hours worked” for purposes of calculating an

employee’s entitlement to overtime during the week in which sick/personal leave is taken.

Hourly employees will receive a full day’s pay (based on their standard work day) for

each paid sick/personal leave day. Salaried employees will receive their normal salary

for the paid sick/personal leave days taken. For all non-exempt employees and teachers

who exceed the allotted sick/personal leave days, a deduction will be made from his or

her paycheck for those excess days taken. However, for all salaried-exempt

employees, such deductions will be made in accordance with the School’s "Salaried-

Exempt Employees and Deductions" policy. The calculation that is used is as follows:

Employee’s annual salary divided by the number of working school days

in the current school year (subject to change as per yearly school

calendar), then that amount is multiplied by the number of days in excess

of the 10 ten days allowed.

The School reserves the right to require a doctor’s statement if an employee is absent for

more than five days because of illness, whether the absence is pre-arranged or

unforeseeable. Sick/personal leave does not accrue during periods of unpaid absence.

Sick/personal leave days are non-transferable and are forfeited upon separation of

employment regardless of the reason for separation.


Procedures for Authorizing Use of Sick/Personal leave – (Revised on January 2008)

You must submit a “Request Form” at least two weeks prior to your leave date if the

leave is for personal reasons. If you have any unplanned leave due to illness or any other

reason, a request form will be placed in your box and must be completed upon your

return to work. Sick/personal leave will usually not be paid if taken immediately before

or after a holiday, other designated school day off, or when the school has scheduled a

full-school in-service day unless you have received prior approval. It is the responsibility

of the employee to keep track of their days being taken. The employee should make a

copy of the request form so they can keep a record of the days being taken. (Appendix

2)

Absences Covered by Worker’ Compensation Insurance

Absences due to on-the-job injury or illness as defined by the Workers’ Compensation

Act shall not be charged against an employee’s accrued sick/personal leave and the

employee will be entitled to the benefits provided by the Act. However, at the

incapacitated employee’s request, and with the approval of Human Resources, the

employee may be granted accumulated hours of sick/personal leave to supplement

Workers’ Compensation payments being received by the employee to prevent a loss of

income. The combined total of Workers’ Compensation payments and payments for

sick/personal leave granted shall not exceed the employee’s salary at the regular rate.

Lactation Break

The School will provide a reasonable amount of break time to accommodate a female

employee’s need to express breast milk for the employee’s infant child for up to one year

after the birth of the child. The break time should, if possible, be taken concurrently with

other break periods already provided. Non-exempt employees should clock out for any

time taken that does not run concurrently with normally scheduled rest periods, and such

time generally will be unpaid. The School will also make access to a refrigerator

available for the storage of breast milk and will ensure that the break room is both private

and has access to an electrical outlet.

Employees should notify their immediate Division Head or Human Resources to request

time to express breast milk under this policy. The School does, however, reserve the

right to deny an employee’s request for a lactation break if the additional break time will

seriously disrupt operations.


Vacation

All full-time 12-month employees are eligible for paid vacation after each full year of

continuous employment. The length of the vacation depends on your years of service

with the School. On the first day after each year of continuous employment, the School

will place the vacation earned in the employee’s bank. Employees earn vacation

according to the following schedule:

Administrators:

Hired before July 1, 2002 – 4 weeks

Hired after July 1, 2002 – 3 weeks

Staff/Maintenance Personnel:

1-5 years – 2 weeks

After 5 years – 3 weeks

Vacation time is given to employees so that they are better able to perform their jobs

when they return. For this reason, we require employees to take their vacation and we do

not permit employees to take pay in lieu of time off. Vacation days do not accumulate

from year to year and the accrual period ends the last day before your anniversary date.

Thus, any vacation days not used before an employee’s next anniversary date will be

forfeited without compensation. Vacations must be scheduled and approved by an

administrator. Any unused vacation time will be forfeited upon separation of

employment, regardless of the reason for separation.

Vacation requests must be submitted a minimum of one month in advance for

approval from administration. (Appendix 2)


Bereavement Leave

Employees are eligible to receive up to five (5) days paid bereavement leave in the event

they miss regularly scheduled workdays due to the death or funeral of a member of the

employee’s immediate family. Immediate family includes spouse, children, stepchildren,

parents, grandparents, grandchildren, brother or sister, spouse’s parents, and any other

relative residing in the same household. The Head of School may in his/her sole

discretion, approve bereavement leave in the event of a death of other persons with whom

you have close relations.

An employee who is notified of a death in his or her immediate family while at work will

be paid for the remainder of the scheduled hours that day. The five day eligibility for paid

bereavement leave will not commence until the next regularly scheduled work day which

is lost. All time off in connection with the death of one of the above-listed individuals

should be discussed with the Head of School.


Leave of Absence

Employees who have worked for the school at least one continuous year and are not

eligible for Family and Medical Leave, may request a maximum of three (3) months

unpaid leave. However, please note that a leave of absence does not guarantee

reinstatement.

The granting of a leave of absence pursuant to this policy is within the sole discretion of

the School and may be denied based on business needs.

Family and Medical Leave Act Policy

The Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) provides eligible employees the

opportunity to take unpaid, job-protected leave for certain specified reasons. The

maximum amount of leave an employee may use is 12 or 26 weeks within a 12-month

period depending on the reasons for the leave.

Employee Eligibility

To be eligible for FMLA leave, you must:

1. have worked at least 12 months for the school in the preceding seven years

(limited exceptions apply to the seven-year requirement);

2. have worked at least 1,250 hours for the school over the preceding 12 months;

and

3. currently work at a location where there are at least 50 employees within 75

miles.

Conditions Triggering Leave

FMLA leave may be taken for the following reasons:

1. birth of a child, or to care for a newly-born child (up to 12 weeks);

2. placement of a child with the employee for adoption or foster care (up to 12

weeks);


3. to care for an immediate family member (employee’s spouse, child, or parent)

with a serious health condition (up to 12 weeks);

4. because of the employee’s serious health condition that makes the employee

unable to perform the employee’s job (up to 12 weeks)

5. to care for a Covered Service member with a serious injury or illness related to

certain types of military service up to 26 weeks (see Military-Related FMLA

Leave for more details); or,

6. to handle certain qualifying exigencies arising out of the fact that the

employee’s spouse, son, daughter, or parent is on duty under a call or order to

active duty in the Uniformed Services (up to 12 weeks) (see Military-Related

FMLA Leave for more details).

The maximum amount of leave that may be taken in a 12-month period for all reasons

combined is 12 weeks, with one exception. For leave to care for a Covered

Servicemember, the maximum combined leave entitlement is 26 weeks, with leaves for

all other reasons constituting no more than 12 of those 26 weeks.

Definitions

A “Serious Health Condition” is an illness, injury, impairment, or physical or mental

condition that involves either an overnight stay in a medical care facility, or continuing

treatment by a health care provider for a condition that either prevents the employee from

performing the functions of the employee’s job, or prevents the qualified family member

from participating in school or other daily activities. Subject to certain conditions, the

continuing treatment requirement includes an incapacity of more than three full calendar

days and two visits to a health care provider or one visit to a health care provider and a

continuing regimen of care; an incapacity caused by pregnancy or prenatal visits, a

chronic condition, or permanent or long-term conditions; or absences due to multiple

treatments. Other situations may meet the definition of continuing treatment.

A “Covered Servicemember” is a member or veteran of the Armed Forces, including the

National Guard or Reserves, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or

therapy, is otherwise in outpatient status, or is otherwise on the temporary disability

retired list, for a serious injury or illness. The term “serious injury or illness” means an

injury or illness incurred by the member in the line of duty while on active duty in the

Armed Forces that may render the member medically unfit to perform the duties of the

member’s office, grade, rank, or rating, or one that existed before the beginning of active

duty and was aggravated by service in the line of duty while on active duty. With regard

to veterans, the injury or illness may manifest itself before or after the individual assumed

veteran status.


“Qualifying exigencies” include activities such as short-notice deployment, military

events, arranging alternative childcare, making financial and legal arrangements related

to the deployment, rest and recuperation, counseling, and post-deployment debriefings.

Identifying the 12-Month Period

The school measures the 12-month period in which leave is taken by the “rolling” 12-

month method, measured backward from the date of any FMLA leave with one

exception. For leave to care for a covered servicemember, the school calculates the 12-

month period beginning on the first day the eligible employee takes FMLA leave to care

for a covered servicemember and ends 12 months after that date. FMLA leave for the

birth or placement of a child for adoption or foster care must be concluded within 12

months of the birth or placement.

Using Leave

Eligible employees may take FMLA leave in a single block of time, intermittently (in

separate blocks of time), or by reducing the normal work schedule when medically

necessary for the serious health condition of the employee or immediate family member,

or in the case of a covered servicemember, his or her injury or illness. Eligible

employees may also take intermittent or reduced-scheduled leave for military qualifying

exigencies. Intermittent leave is not permitted for birth of a child, to care for a newly-

born child, or for placement of a child for adoption or foster care. Employees who require

intermittent or reduced-schedule leave must try to schedule their leave so that it will not

unduly disrupt the school's operations.

Use of Accrued Paid Leave

Depending on the purpose of your leave request, you may choose (or the school may

require you) to use accrued paid leave (such as sick leave, vacation), concurrently with

some or all of your FMLA leave. In order to substitute paid leave for FMLA leave, an

eligible employee must comply with the school’s normal procedures for the applicable

paid-leave policy (e.g., call-in procedures, advance notice, etc.).

Maintenance of Health Benefits

If you and/or your family participate in our group health plan, the school will maintain

coverage during your FMLA leave on the same terms as if you had continued to work. If

applicable, you must make arrangements to pay your share of health plan premiums while

on leave. In some instances, the school may recover premiums it paid to maintain health

coverage or other benefits for you and your family. Use of FMLA leave will not result in

the loss of any employment benefit that accrued prior to the start of your leave.


Notice and Medical Certification

When seeking FMLA leave, you are required to provide:

1. sufficient information for us to determine if the requested leave may qualify

for FMLA protection and the anticipated timing and duration of the leave.

Sufficient information may include that you are unable to perform job

functions, a family member is unable to perform daily activities, the need for

hospitalization or continuing treatment by a health care provider, or

circumstances supporting the need for military family leave. You must also

inform the school if the requested leave is for a reason for which FMLA leave

was previously taken or certified.

If the need for leave is foreseeable, this information must be provided 30 days in advance

of the anticipated beginning date of the leave. If the need for leave is not foreseeable, this

information must be provided as soon as is practicable and in compliance with the

school’s normal call-in procedures, absent unusual circumstances.

2. medical certification supporting the need for leave due to a serious health

condition affecting you or an immediate family member within 15 calendar

days of the school’s request to provide the certification (additional time may

be permitted in some circumstances). If you fail to do so, we may delay the

commencement of your leave, withdraw any designation of FMLA leave or

deny the leave, in which case your leave of absence would be treated in

accordance with our standard leave of absence and attendance policies,

subjecting you to discipline up to and including termination. Second or third

medical opinions and periodic re-certifications may also be required;

3. periodic reports as deemed appropriate during the leave regarding your status

and intent to return to work; and

4. medical certification of fitness for duty before returning to work, if the leave

was due to your serious health condition. The school will require this

certification to address whether you can perform the essential functions of

your position.

Failure to comply with the foregoing requirements may result in delay or denial of leave,

or disciplinary action, up to and including termination.


Employer Responsibilities

To the extent required by law, the school will inform employees whether they are eligible

under the FMLA. Should an employee be eligible for FMLA leave, the school will

provide them with a notice that specifies any additional information required as well as

the employee’s rights and responsibilities. If employees are not eligible, the school will

provide a reason for the ineligibility. The school will also inform employees if leave will

be designated as FMLA-protected and, to the extent possible, note the amount of leave

counted against the employee’s leave entitlement. If the school determines that the leave

is not FMLA-protected, the school will notify the employee.

Job Restoration

Upon returning from FMLA leave, eligible employees will typically be restored to their

original job or to an equivalent job with equivalent pay, benefits, and other employment

terms and conditions.

Failure to Return After FMLA Leave

Any employee who fails to return to work as scheduled after FMLA leave or exceeds the

12-week FMLA entitlement (or in the case of military caregiver leave, the 26-week

FMLA entitlement), will be subject to the school’s standard leave of absence and

attendance policies. This may result in termination if you have no other school- provided

leave available to you that applies to your continued absence. Likewise, following the

conclusion of your FMLA leave, the school ’s obligation to maintain your group health

plan benefits ends (subject to any applicable COBRA rights).

Other Employment

The school generally prohibits employees from holding other employment. This policy

remains in force during all leaves of absence including FMLA leave and may result in

disciplinary action, up to and including immediate termination of employment.

Fraud

Providing false or misleading information or omitting material information in connection

with an FMLA leave will result in disciplinary action, up to and including immediate

termination.

Employers’ Compliance with FMLA and Employee’s Enforcement Rights

FMLA makes it unlawful for any employer to interfere with, restrain, or deny the

exercise of any right provided under FMLA, or discharge or discriminate against any


person for opposing any practice made unlawful by FMLA or for involvement in any

proceeding under or relating to FMLA.

While the school encourages employees to bring any concerns or complaints about

compliance with FMLA to the attention of the Human Resources Department, FMLA

regulations require employers to advise employees that they may file a complaint with

the U.S. Department of Labor or bring a private lawsuit against an employer.

Further, FMLA does not affect any Federal or State law prohibiting discrimination, or

supersede any State or local law or collective bargaining agreement which provides

greater family or medical leave rights.

Limited Nature of This Policy

This Policy should not be construed to confer any express or implied contractual

relationship or rights to any employee not expressly provided for by FMLA. The school

reserves the right to modify this or any other policy as necessary, in its sole discretion to

the extent permitted by law. State or local leave laws may also apply.

Military-Related FMLA Leave

FMLA leave may also be available to eligible employees in connection with certain

service-related medical and non-medical needs of family members. There are two forms

of such leave. The first is Military Caregiver Leave, and the second is Qualifying

Exigency Leave. Each of these leaves is detailed below.

Military Caregiver Leave

Unpaid Military Caregiver Leave is designed to allow eligible employees to care for

certain family members who have sustained serious injuries or illnesses in the line of duty

while on active duty. The family member must be a “Covered Servicemember,” which

means: (1) a current member or veteran of the Armed Forces, National Guard or

Reserves, (2) who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy or, in the

case of a veteran, who was a current member of the Armed Forces, National Guard or

Reserves within five years prior to the treatment for which an eligible employee requests

leave; is otherwise in outpatient status; or is otherwise on the temporary disability retired

list, (3) for a serious injury or illness that may render a current member medically unfit to

perform the duties of the member ’s office, grade, rank, or rating. Military Caregiver

Leave is not available to care for servicemembers on the permanent disability retired list.

To be “eligible” for Military Caregiver Leave, the employee must be a spouse, son,

daughter, parent, or next of kin of the covered servicemember. “Next of kin” means the

nearest blood relative of the servicemember, other than the servicemember’s spouse,

parent, son, or daughter, in the following order of priority: blood relatives who have been

granted legal custody of the servicemember by court decree or statutory provisions;

brothers and sisters; grandparents; aunts and uncles; and first cousins; unless the


servicemember has specifically designated in writing another blood relative as his or her

nearest blood relative for purposes of Military Caregiver Leave. The employee must also

meet all other eligibility standards as set forth within the FMLA Leave policy.

An eligible employee may take up to 26 workweeks of Military Caregiver Leave to care

for a covered servicemember in a “single 12-month period.” The “single 12-month

period” begins on the first day leave is taken to care for a covered servicemember and

ends 12 months thereafter, regardless of the method used to determine leave availability

for other FMLA-qualifying reasons. If an employee does not exhaust his or her 26

workweeks of Military Caregiver Leave during this “single 12-month period,” the

remainder is forfeited.

Military Caregiver Leave applies on a per-injury basis for each servicemember.

Consequently, an eligible employee may take separate periods of caregiver leave for each

and every covered servicemember, and/or for each and every serious injury or illness of

the same covered servicemember. A total of no more than 26 workweeks of Military

Caregiver Leave, however, may be taken within any “single 12-month period.”

Within the “single 12-month period” described above, an eligible employee may take a

combined total of 26 weeks of FMLA leave including up to 12 weeks of leave for any

other FMLA-qualifying reason (i.e., birth or adoption of a child, serious health condition

of the employee or close family member, or a qualifying exigency). For example, during

the “single 12-month period,” an eligible employee may take up to 16 weeks of FMLA

leave to care for a covered servicemember when combined with up to 10 weeks of FMLA

leave to care for a newborn child.

An employee seeking Military Caregiver Leave may be required to provide appropriate

certification from the employee and/or covered servicemember and completed by an

authorized health care provider within 15 days. Military Caregiver Leave is subject to

the other provisions in our FMLA Leave Policy (requirements regarding employee

eligibility, appropriate notice of the need for leave, use of accrued paid leave, etc.).

Military Caregiver Leave will be governed by, and handled in accordance with, the

FMLA and applicable regulations, and nothing within this policy should be construed to

be inconsistent with those regulations.

Qualifying Exigency Leave

Eligible employees may take unpaid “Qualifying Exigency Leave” to tend to certain

“exigencies” arising out of the duty under a call or order to active duty of a “covered

military member” (i.e. the employee’s spouse, son, daughter, or parent). Up to 12 weeks

of Qualifying Exigency Leave is available in any 12-month period, as measured by the

same method that governs measurement of other forms of FMLA leave within the FMLA

policy (with the exception of Military Caregiver Leave, which is subject to a maximum

of 26 weeks of leave in a “single 12-month period”). Although Qualifying Exigency


Leave may be combined with leave for other FMLA-qualifying reasons, under no

circumstances may the combined total exceed 12 weeks in any 12-month period (with the

exception of Military Caregiver Leave as set forth above). The employee must meet all

other eligibility standards as set forth within the FMLA policy.

Persons who can be ordered to active duty include active and retired members of the

Regular Armed Forces, certain members of the retired Reserve, and various other

Reserve members including the Ready Reserve, the Selected Reserve, the Individual

Ready Reserve, the National Guard, state military, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine

Corps Reserve, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and Coast Guard Reserve.

A call to active duty refers to a federal call to active duty, and state calls to active duty

are not covered unless under order of the President of the United States pursuant to

certain laws.

Qualifying Exigency Leave is available under the following circumstances:

(1) Short-notice deployment. To address any issue that arises out of short notice

(within seven days or less) of an impending call or order to active duty.

(2) Military events and related activities. To attend any official military

ceremony, program, or event related to active duty or a call to active duty status

or to attend certain family support or assistance programs and informational

briefings.

(3) Childcare and school activities. To arrange for alternative childcare; to

provide childcare on an urgent, immediate need basis; to enroll in or transfer to a

new school or daycare facility; or to attend meetings with staff at a school or

daycare facility.

(4) Financial and legal arrangements. To make or update various financial or

legal arrangements; or to act as the covered military member’s representative

before a federal, state, or local agency in connection with service benefits.

(5) Counseling. To attend counseling (by someone other than a health care

provider) for the employee, the covered military member, or for a child or

dependent when necessary as a result of duty under a call or order to active duty.

(6) Temporary rest and recuperation. To spend time with a covered military

member who is on short-term, temporary rest and recuperation leave during the

period of deployment. Eligible employees may take up to five of days of leave

for each instance of rest and recuperation.

(7) Post-deployment activities. To attend arrival ceremonies, reintegration

briefings and events, and any other official ceremony or program sponsored by

the military for a period of up to 90 days following termination of the covered


military member’s active duty status. This also encompasses leave to address

issues that arise from the death of a covered military member while on active duty

status.

(8) Mutually agreed leave. Other events that arise from the close family

member’s duty under a call or order to active duty, provided that the school and

the employee agree that such leave shall qualify as an exigency and agree to both

the timing and duration of such leave.

An employee seeking Qualifying Exigency Leave may be required to submit

appropriate supporting documentation in the form of a copy of the covered

military member’s active duty orders or other military documentation indicating

the appropriate military status and the dates of active duty status, along with a

statement setting forth the nature and details of the specific exigency, the amount

of leave needed and the employee’s relationship to the military member, within

15 days. Qualifying Exigency Leave will be governed by, and handled in

accordance with, the FMLA and applicable regulations, and nothing within this

policy should be construed to be inconsistent with those regulations.

Victims of Domestic Violence Leave Policy

Eligible employees may take up to 3 days of unpaid, job-protected leave in any 12-month

period for specified domestic violence situations.

Employee Eligibility: To be eligible for domestic violence leave, you must have worked

for the School for at least three months.

Conditions Triggering Leave: Domestic violence leave can involve one or more of the

following reasons:

1. Seeking an injunction for protection against domestic violence, or

an injunction for protection in cases of repeat violence, dating or sexual

violence;

2. Obtaining mental health counseling or medical care for the

employee or a family or household member to address physical or

psychological injuries resulting from the act of domestic violence;

3. Obtaining services from a victim-services organization, including

but not limited to, a domestic violence shelter or program or a rape crisis

center as a result of the act of domestic violence;

4. Making the employee’s home secure from the perpetrator of the

domestic violence or to seek new housing to escape the perpetrator; or


5. Seeking legal assistance in addressing issues arising from the act of

domestic violence or to attend and prepare for court-related proceedings

arising from the act of domestic violence.

Notice and Certification: When seeking domestic violence leave, you must provide:

1. Advance notice of the need for leave except where you or a family

member is in imminent danger such that notice is not possible.

2. Documentation, if we request, establishing the need for domestic

violence leave.

Usage of Other School Leave Available to Employee: Any available vacation or other

paid time off must be exhausted before domestic violence leave can be utilized.

No Retaliation: Employees who make a bona fide request for leave pursuant to this

policy will not be unlawfully retaliated against for exercising his or her rights under this

policy. However, employees remain subject to the School’s other policies and

procedures.

Military Leave

Employees who require time off work to fulfill military duties will be treated in

accordance with applicable requirements of state and federal law. You are expected to

notify administration of upcoming military duty by providing a copy of your orders as

soon as possible.

Leave for Civic Duty

We encourage each of our employees to accept his or her civic responsibilities. As a

good citizen, we are pleased to assist you in the performance of your civic duties.

Jury Duty

If you are a full-time employee and are called to jury duty by official order during regular

school days, please notify your Division Head immediately so we can plan the

department's work with as little disruption as possible. You must also furnish him/her

with a copy of the official notification to service.

If you are released from jury service before the end of your regularly scheduled shift or

you are not asked to serve on a jury panel, you are expected to report to work if a

reasonable period of time remains in the work day. You must present papers from the

court clerk reflecting the dates you spent on jury duty.


Voting

We want every full-time employee to have the opportunity to vote in every election.

Generally, there will be sufficient time to vote either before or after your scheduled shift.

However, if you foresee a problem getting to the polls, please notify your Division Head

so that arrangements can be made.

Medical, Life, Disability and Dental Insurance

We provide medical, life, disability and dental insurance coverage for employees who

meet the eligibility requirements and who elect coverage. These benefits are provided to

non-teaching employees who are regularly scheduled to work 25 hours or more per week

over a 12 month period; and to Teachers and Associate Teachers who are regularly

scheduled to work 25 or more hours per week during the school year. Coverage

normally begins on the first of the month following 30 days of employment provided

that you have completed all necessary paperwork.

It is your responsibility to notify Human Resources if you desire insurance coverage.

The School currently pays the costs of the insurance premiums as follows:

Medical insurance – 78% of single premium

Life insurance – $50,000

Dental insurance – 100% of single premium for low PPO plan

Disability (short/long term) – 100% of premium

Dependent coverage is also available at the employee’s expense through payroll

deductions.

Our insurance plans are excellent ones. It provides the type of coverage needed to protect

our employees and their families from catastrophic losses due to illness and injury. You

may obtain additional information about our plans through the Human Resources

Department. For specific details concerning eligibility and coverage, please be sure to

consul the insurance contact itself.

We all must recognize that the cost of our insurance plans is based upon how much it is

utilized. Therefore, each of us must work to utilize the cost containment provisions of

the policy. This will help to keep the cost of our health care down and enable us to

continue to provide this very valuable benefit. As with all other policies and benefits, the

School reserves the right to change or eliminate benefits and/or contribution amounts at

any time.

If this policy conflicts with the plan document, the plan documents control.


Retirement Savings Plan

The School provides an excellent retirement savings plan for all employees who have

attained the minimum age and service requirements. Both the employee and the School

contribute to the Plan for each eligible employee. If you were hired full-time after July 1,

2002, you will need to wait one (1) year for the School to contribute six percent (6%), of

gross base salary. Also, once you have completed one year of continuous service, if you

resign and are re-hired in the future, you can rejoin the plan as soon as you are re-hired

on a full-time basis.

All employees are provided Summary Plan Description booklets and other materials as

required by law. As with all other policies and benefits, the School reserves the right to

change or eliminate benefits and/or contribution amounts at any time. You may obtain

additional information regarding the Plan through the Human Resources Department.

Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act – (COBRA)

COBRA requires that most employers sponsoring group health plans offer employees and

their families the opportunity for a temporary extension of health coverage (called

“continuation coverage”) at group rates in certain instances where coverage under the

plan would otherwise end. This notice is intended to inform you, in summary fashion, or

your rights and obligations under the continuation coverage provisions of the law.

If you are an employee of the School, covered by the School’s medical insurance plan,

you have the right to choose continuation coverage if you lose your group health

coverage because of a reduction in your hours of employment or the termination of your

employment for reasons other than gross misconduct on your part. Your eligible

dependents may also have the right to elect and pay for continuation coverage for a

temporary period in certain circumstances where their coverage under the Plan would

otherwise end. If you have any questions concerning your rights under COBRA, please

contact the Human Resources Department.

Tuition Reimbursement

Tuition reimbursement will be provided for education costs incurred by full-time

employees of the School for courses related to their current or anticipated position at St.

Thomas Episcopal Parish School. The reimbursement will be for 75% of the costs of the

employee’s annual courses, not to exceed $750 per employee, per school year. The

tuition reimbursement is contingent on receiving a grade of B or better. The

reimbursement will apply to Florida certification/re-certification, bachelors degree,

masters degree and doctoral degrees.


Tuition Remission and Other Fees (Revised-February, 2013)

Full-time employees: teachers, associate teachers, administrators, office staff, and

maintenance staff hired after January 31, 2013 will be eligible to receive tuition remission

benefits as described below:

The first child of any full-time employee enrolled as a student of the school will

receive 100% of the cost of annual tuition for such child

The second child of any full-time employee enrolled as a student of the school

will receive 50% of the cost of annual tuition for such child

The tuition remission benefits as described above are limited to one and one half

children per full-time employee. In addition, tuition remission benefits are not

transferable to any other children of the full-time employee.

If you were hired as a full-time employee before February 1st, 2013, this change in policy

will not apply to you.

Workers’ Compensation

We carry Worker’s Compensation insurance for the protection of employees who are

injured while at work. This coverage provided for medical expenses and lost income

from these injuries. Individuals who are hurt on the job, no matter how small or

apparently insignificant their injury, must report the situation to their Department Head

immediately, as there is a time limit within which claims for worker’s compensation must

be filed.

At an employee’s request, and with the approval of Human Resources, the employee may

be granted accumulated hours of sick/personal leave to supplement Workers’

Compensation payments being received by the employee to prevent loss of income. The

combined total of Workers’ Compensation payments and payments for sick/personal

leave grated shall not exceed the employee’s salary at the employee’s regular rate.

Years of Employment Bonus

Once an employee has completed five (5) years of continuous service to the School,

he/she is entitled to a $1,000 employment bonus. Once an employee has completed ten

(10) years of continuous service to the School, he/she is entitled to another $1,000 bonus.

If you require any additional information, please contact the Human Resources

Department. The School reserves the right to discontinue this policy at any time.


Sunshine Fund

This is a faculty-coordinated endeavor which supports all employees during special times

of joy or distress.

Yearly dues are announced at the beginning of a school year and are payable to the

coordinators.

Volunteers are always needed to help assist with this project. If you know of a member of

staff who would benefit from the attention of the Sunshine Fund, please let one of the

coordinators know.

A responsibility of the Sunshine committee coordinators is to keep the Associate Head of

School informed of all recipients and/or recommendations made.

Credit Union

All employees are eligible to join the Florida Episcopal Diocese Federal Credit Union

and/or the Dade County Federal Credit Union.


RULES TO PROTECT US ALL

This section of your Handbook discusses your responsibilities to the School as an

employee. Please thoroughly familiarize yourself with these policies and apply them in

your work. The result of your effort will be a more efficient, productive and pleasant

atmosphere for you, your co-workers, our parents and students.

We have certain reasonable policies and rules for the conduct of our employees in this

School. Our most important rule is the “rule of reason.” Violation of any of the rules or

policies set forth in this Handbook may lead to discipline, up to an including immediate

termination. Obviously, this list is not all inclusive and there may be other circumstances

for which employees may be disciplined, up to and including immediate discharge. If

you have any questions about School rules or policies, or what we expect of you as one of

our employees, please discuss them with your Division Head.

Absenteeism and Tardiness

Each employee plays an important role in getting the day’s work done. Therefore, each

employee is expected to be at his or her workstation on time each day. Absenteeism or

tardiness, even for good reasons, is disruptive of our operations and interferes with our

ability to satisfy our students’ needs. Excessive absenteeism or tardiness can result in

disciplinary action up to and including termination. Also, an employee who has not

called or reported to work for three consecutive days will be considered no call no

show and will be terminated immediately.

If you are going to be late or absent from work for any reason, you must personally

notify your immediate Division Head or substitute coordinator as far in advance as

possible so proper arrangements can be made to handle our work during your absence.

You should call before 9:00 p.m., if calling at night, or if calling in the morning, between

6:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Should you become ill during the school day, you must let the substitute coordinator

know, and she/he will arrange to have someone in your classroom.

When absence is due to illness, the School reserves the right to require appropriate

medical documentation.

Cellular/Smart Phones, PDAs, And Other Handheld Electronic Devices

Employees are expected to comply with all School policies when using cellular/smart

phones, PDAs, and other handheld electronic devices while at School or on School-

related business. In the remainder of this policy, these devices are collectively referred to

as “handheld devices.” Excessive use of handheld devices during the workday can

interfere with employee productivity and be distracting to others. A reasonable standard

is to limit personal calls during work time to no more than one per day as needed.

Employees should use these handheld devices on non-work time and ensure that friends


and family members are aware of the School’s policy. In the event of an emergency or

special circumstances (communicated to your supervisor) the School may be more

flexible. The School will not be liable for the loss of handheld devices brought into the

workplace.

Personal Use Of School-Provided Handheld Devices

Where job or business needs demand immediate access to an employee, the School may

issue a School-owned handheld device to an employee for work-related communications.

These handheld devices should be used in accordance with all School policies, including

the School’s Computer and Communications Systems Policy. The School reserves the

right to inspect such devices, including reviewing any messages, texts, photos, images,

searches, and other content, at any time. The School reserves the right to discipline an

employee for inappropriate use and to deduct from an employee paycheck any charges

incurred for an employee’s personal or unauthorized use of the handheld devices.

Recording Devices

To maintain the security of our premises and systems, the School prohibits unauthorized

photography, audio or video recording of its employees, confidential documents,

students, or parents.

Safety Issues For Handheld Devices

No person, including employees, may use handheld devices while driving on campus. In

addition, employees are expected to refrain from using their handheld devices while

driving off campus in connection with their job duties. Safety must come before all other

concerns. Regardless of the circumstances, including slow or stopped traffic, employees

are strongly encouraged to pull over to the side of the road and safely stop the vehicle

before using any handheld device. Under no circumstances are employees allowed to

place themselves or anyone else at risk to fulfill business needs. Employees who are

charged with traffic violations resulting from the use of their handheld devices while

driving will be solely responsible for all liabilities that result from such actions.

Employees who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and


Expectations of Teachers and Persons Supervising Students

Teachers and any person supervising students at any time are prohibited from using

handheld devices during any period of supervision, classroom activity, field trip, or other

event in which the employee is responsible for the student’s welfare, unless use of such

device is for emergency or other specially authorized purposes.


Special Responsibilities For Managerial Staff

As with any policy, administrators, managers, and supervisors are expected to serve as

role models for proper compliance with the provisions above and are encouraged to

regularly remind employees of their responsibilities in complying with this policy.

Child Abuse Reporting Obligations

As educational professionals, we have a responsibility to provide the children we teach

with the opportunity to obtain the best education possible. However, our responsibility

does not end there. We also have a legal responsibility to report child abuse, neglect or

abandonment. This prompts the questions, “how do I recognize and deal with such a

situation when it occurs?” This policy is designed to provide guidelines for reporting

suspected child abuse, neglect, and abandonment.

As we are all aware, child abuse is an extremely serious matter. State statutes require

that all school personnel immediately (within 24 hours) report situations involving

potential child abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The statute contains these definitions:

Abuse – Any willful act or threatened act that results in any physical, mental, or sexual

injury or harm that causes or is likely to cause the child’s physical, mental, or emotional

health to be significantly impaired.

Neglect – When a child is deprived of, or is allowed to be deprived of, necessary food,

clothing, shelter, or medical treatment, or a child is permitted to live in an environment

when such deprivation or environment causes the child’s physical, mental, or emotional

health to be significantly impaired or to be in danger of being significantly impaired.

Abandonment – A situation in which the parent or legal custodian of a child, or in the

absence of a parent or legal custodian, the caregiver responsible for the child’s welfare,

while being able, makes no provision for the child’s support and makes no effort to

communicate with the child, which situation is sufficient to evince a willful rejection of

parental obligations.

If you have any belief, concern, or thought that you have witnessed, heard, or heard

about a situation possibly involving abuse, neglect, or abandonment, you must do the

following:

Contact the Head or Associate Head of School

If you cannot contact either the Head or Associate Head of School, contact

either the Rector or Associate Rector.

The appropriate person will then discuss the situation with you to ensure that the

appropriate reports, if any, are completed.


In addition, as a part of every employee’s obligation to keep children and our campus

safe, if you have received information reflecting that any person who may regularly or

periodically visit the school’s campus (student, employee, parent, spouse of an employee,

family member, volunteer, or contractor) has engaged in behavior that could constitute

abuse, has been accused, arrested, or convicted of any type of potential abuse or sexual

misconduct toward any other person, you must immediately report such information to

the Head of School.

This sensitive issue must be approached with care and the utmost professional manner.

Conversations with other members of staff are inappropriate. There is NEVER a reason

to discuss your opinions or thoughts about this with other parents.

Working with young children requires that we be extremely circumspect in handling

them. Children attending St. Thomas School must be potty trained. Nevertheless, all

young children have occasional accidents. If a child needs help in the bathroom, be sure

that the door is ajar; hand the child bathroom tissue and let him/her clean themselves.

You will also find children who do not enjoy being touched in any way. These children

shy away from the simplest hug or gestures. Please respect the child’s feelings in these

cases. Also, read ‘Indicators to assist the identification of child abuse’, included in

(Appendix 3).

It is mandatory that every employee take a “Safeguarding your child” class, which is

provided by the Diocese.

Communication and Computer Systems Security and Usage

All electronic communications to, from, or on school premises or at school-related

events, shall reflect the principles upon which the school is founded, in support of its

educational goals. This Communication and Computer Systems Security and Usage

Policy contains guidelines for the use, access, and disclosure of communications using

any type of electronic device (including, among other things, telephone, mail, e-mail,

voice mail, desk and laptop computers, pagers, mobile phones, camera phones, video

cameras, Blackberries, electronic game devices, faxes or facsimiles, Internet and intranet)

sent, received, viewed, or shared by employees using any School-provided

Communication or Computer Systems or other personal electronic devices on campus or

at school-related events (“Systems”). Note that in some cases, use of personal

electronic devices at home or away from campus are covered by this policy where

such communications impact the School, are to/from employees and students,

parents, or third parties, such as communications on the Internet or on social

networking sites.


Confidentiality and Acceptable Systems Usage

The School’s Systems are intended for School business only. Use of the School’s

Systems for accessing or acquiring information and materials inappropriate to a school

environment is against school policy and is prohibited. All information transmitted or

stored in School Systems (e.g., employee lists, student lists, documents relating to

policies and procedures) is the sole and exclusive property of the School and should be

treated as confidential. Such information may not be disclosed to any person outside of

the School nor may any such information be removed from our premises without the

express permission of the Head of School. Employees are strictly prohibited from

accessing, reading and copying data or information stored in the Systems and from

accessing, reading and copying communication not directed to them without prior

authorization.

All systems messages are school records. The contents of our systems may be

disclosed to the School without your permission. Therefore, you should not assume

that messages and communications are confidential.

Management’s Right to Access Information

Our Computer, telephone, and communication hardware and software Systems have been

installed and are used to facilitate school communications. Although each employee has

an individual password to access these Systems, they belong to the School and the

contents of all communications are accessible by management for any business purpose.

The School reserves the right to periodically monitor your computer, telephone and

communication hardware and software system in order to ensure compliance with this

policy. Employees are strictly prohibited from placing personal passwords on any School

system for the purpose of preventing such monitoring.

Employees should not consider any material transmitted or stored in School systems

to be private.

Personal Use of the School’s Communication and Computer Systems

General Usage - Because personal communications can be accessed without prior notice,

employees should not use School Systems to transmit any messages, or to access any

information, which you would not want a third party to see. Although incidental and

occasional personal use of our Systems is permitted, any such personal use will be treated

the same as all other communications under this Policy. However, employees are at all

times strictly prohibited from downloading information from the Internet for personal

use.

Telephone Usage – The telephone Systems (including voice mail) at the School are the

property of the School and are provided for business or school purposes. The School


may periodically monitor the usage of the Telephone Systems to ensure compliance with

this Policy. Therefore, employees should not consider their conversations on the

School’s telephone systems to be private.

Cell Phone/Text Messaging – Cell phones and other handheld devices should always be

on vibrate mode (especially in the classrooms) and should only be used for emergency or

other specifically authorized purposes. At no time should you be on a cell phone or text

messaging when you are watching children (i.e. playground, lunch duty, study hall, etc.).

If the need arises and you must take a phone call, please arrange for someone to stay in

your classroom/playground so that you can take the call.

Personal Mail – All mail that is delivered to the School is presumed to be related to

School business. Mail sent to you at the School may be opened by the office personnel

and routed to your department.

Forbidden Use and Content of Communications

You may not use our Systems in any way that may be seen as insulting, disruptive,

offensive, or harmful to morale. Examples of prohibited, non-business purposes include,

but are not limited to, use of the School’s Systems:

1. To convey insensitive, improper, derogatory, insulting, threatening, or

harassing language or remarks, or sexually-explicit messages, cartoons,

jokes, or other potentially offensive material;

2. To send propositions, love letters, or any other message that could be

construed to be harassment or disparagement of others in violation of our

Policy against harassment;

3. To attempt to break into any computer, whether internal or external to the

School, to copy or steal electronic files without permission or to

knowingly cause or aid the spread of computer viruses;

4. To write resumes, junk mail, mass-mailing, or other documents unrelated

to School business or to create and/or forward “chain letters;”

5. For the unauthorized advertisement of services;

6. To run computer games or other personal software during working hours;

7. As a forum for gossip or for personal gain.

Password and Encryption Key Security and Integrity

All Systems passwords and encryption keys must be available to the School at all times.

Additionally, you may not use passwords that are unknown to your

manager, nor may you install encryption programs without first turning over encryption

keys to your manager. Further, employees are prohibited from the unauthorized use of

passwords and encryption keys belonging to other employees in order to gain access to

other employees’ messages. You are responsible for any and all activity occurring on the

School’s Systems under your password.


Software, Personal Disks and Drives, and Networking and School Equipment

Computer software, whether purchased, developed, or modified by the School, may not

be downloaded, copied reproduced, altered, deleted, or appropriated by employees

without prior School authorization. Any such computer software is the property of the

School and may not be copied or appropriated by employees for personal use during

employment with the School or upon separation. Employees should be aware that the

illegal duplication of computer software may result in the filing of criminal copyright

charges by the owners of the copyrights; copyright infringement is punishable by fines

and/or imprisonment.

The School does not condone the use of “bootleg” or “pirate” software on its Computer

System. The use of such software is grounds for discipline, up to and including

immediate termination. Any employee who becomes aware of the presence of any

“bootleg” or “pirate” software on the School’s Computer System should notify

management immediately. The use of personal disks, drives, or software in the School’s

Computer System without prior authorization is strictly prohibited. Employees are

further prohibited from accessing the School’s Systems from remote locations via modem

and from connecting School Systems to outside systems via modem without prior

authorization. The tech equipment is for the sole purpose for use of and by the school.

No equipment will be loaned off the school premises for personal use. The tech

equipment includes but is not limited to: digital cameras, video cameras, LCD projectors,

overhead projectors. Laptops are not included and may be taken off campus.

Email

Email, short for electronic mail, is any of the various systems that transmit some form of

electronic representation of a page or message from one location to another. It should be

clear that electronic mail cannot be used to harass or threaten others. The School reserves

the right to randomly check e-mail. E-mail messages must not include personal attacks

and should follow the normal rules of appropriate public language. They should not

contain any language or content, which the author would not be willing to share from the

podium at a School meeting. Employees should be made aware that deleted e-mails can

be undeleted.


Penalties for Violation of the School’s Communication and Computer Systems

Security and Usage Policy

VIOLATIONS OF ANY ASPECT OF THE SCHOOL’S COMMUNICATION AND

COMPUTER SYSTEMS SECURITY AND USAGE POLICY MAY RESULT IN

DISCIPLINE, UP TO AND INCLUDING IMMEDIATE TERMINATION. The School

will also seek civil damages against any employee who appropriates or copies the

School’s property as described in this Policy.

Business Ethics and Conflict of Interest

It is our policy to forbid employees to deal in any other business, which competes with

our School. If you think that there is a possibility that you may have a conflict in this

regard, it is your responsibility to notify your Division Head.

Successful business operations and the reputation of our School are built upon the

principle of ethical conduct of our employees. Our reputation for integrity and excellence

requires careful observance of the spirit and letter of all applicable laws and regulations,

as well as a scrupulous regard for the highest standards of conduct and personal integrity.

The continued success of our School is dependent upon public trust and we are dedicated

to preserving that trust. Employees owe a duty to the School, the parents, students, and

general public to act in a way that will merit their continued trust and confidence. We

comply with all applicable laws and regulations and expects its directors, officers, and

employees to conduct business with the letter, spirit, and intent of all relevant laws and

refrain from any illegal, dishonest, or unethical conduct.

In general, use of good judgment, based on high ethical principles, will guide you with

respect to lines of acceptable conduct. In carrying out your responsibilities, you should

avoid even the appearance of impropriety and should act for the sole benefit of the

School. You should avoid placing yourself in positions in which your personal interests

are, or may be, in conflict with the interests of the School. Examples of areas of potential

conflict of interest are:

(1) Financial Interests: Ownership by the individual directly or indirectly of a

material financial interest in any business or firm from which the School obtains

goods or services or which is a competitor of the School; competition by the

individual, directly or indirectly, with the School in the purchase or sale of

property or any property right or interests; representation of the School by the

individual in any transaction or activity in which the individual, directly or

indirectly, has a material financial interest; any other circumstance in which the

individual may profit, directly or indirectly, from any action or decision by the

School in which he or she participates, or which he or she has knowledge.


(2) Inside Information: Disclosure or use by the individual of confidential

information about the School, its activities or intentions, for the personal profit or

advantage of the individual or any person.

(3) Conflicting Interest Other than Financial: Representation as a director,

officer, agent, or fiduciary of another School, institution, agency or person in any

transaction or activity which involves this school as an adverse party or with

adverse interests.

(4) Gifts and Favors: Acceptance of gifts or favors from any firm or

individual which does or seeks to do business with, or is a competitor of, the

School under circumstances which imply reasonably that such action is intended

to influence the individual in the performance of his or her duties.

Reporting Obligations:

Where a potential conflict of interest exits, or if a situation arises in which it is difficult to

determine the proper course of action, or if you become knowledgeable about another

person or employee who may be engaging in questionable or illegal conduct, it is your

responsibility to report the situation to one or more of the following persons: your

immediate Division Head, the Human Resources Director, the Business Manager, or the

Head of School. These persons can provide guidance and take such action as may be

appropriate in the best interests of the School.

Compliance with this policy for business ethics and conduct is the responsibility of every

School employee. Disregarding or failing to comply with this standard of business ethics

and conduct could lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of

employment.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality needs to be preserved as it relates to the individual student and their

families. Discretion should be used at all times. All written and oral reports about

children are confidential. If you wish to privately discuss a child with the previous

teacher, this is acceptable. Gossip of any kind is destructive and should not take place at

our School. All discussions should take place in a private setting.

Cooperation With Law Enforcement Agencies

The School shall cooperate fully with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies,

keeping in mind the rights of students and parents/guardians. If you are contacted by a

governmental or law enforcement agency, you should immediately contact the Head of

School.


Corporal Punishment

Staff members may not use, or threaten to use corporal punishment.

Corporal punishment is defined as striking, hitting, or engaging in punitive bodily contact

with a student.

Courtesy

Courtesy is the responsibility of every employee. Everyone is expected to be courteous,

polite and friendly to our students, parents and fellow employees. No one should be

disrespectful to a student, parent, or employee; use profanity; or engage in any activity

that injuries the image or reputation of our School.

Criminal Background Checks

All employees are subject to the criminal background process. The school will perform

criminal background checks (including fingerprinting checks) on all new employees at

the time of hire. For existing employees, the school will periodically update the criminal

background check. The school will determine, in its discretion, whether the employee’s

background makes him/her fit for employment or continued employment. All employees

must report any arrests or changes to their criminal background to Human Resources

within twenty-four (24) hours of the occurrence so that the school can determine whether

the employee’s status should change. Failure to do so may result in termination of

employment.

In addition, as a part of every employee’s obligation to keep children and our campus

safe, if you have received information reflecting that any person who may regularly or

periodically visit the school’s campus (student, employee, parent, spouse of an employee,

family member, volunteer, parishioner, or contractor) has been arrested or convicted of

any type of an offense reflecting violence, abuse, or sexual misconduct toward any other

person, you must immediately report such information to the Head of School.

Damage to Property

We have made a tremendous investment in our facilities and equipment in order to better

serve our needs and to make your job easier. Deliberate or careless damage to the

School’s property will not be tolerated.

Drugs and Alcohol

We will not tolerate alcohol abuse or the use of other intoxicants and mind-altering

substances, including illegal drugs. The reason for this policy is for the continued safety

and productivity of our employees and students. Our employees may be required to

submit to drug screens, blood alcohol tests, breathalyzer test and medical examinations

under the following circumstances: a) when an employee is suspected of working or

reporting to work with intoxicants or mind-altering substances in his or her system; b)


when an employee suffers an on-the-job injury or is involved in an accident while at

work; c) in connection with a pre-employment screening. The presence of 0.05% alcohol

or the presence of any other intoxicants or mind-altering substances in the body is a

violation of this policy, regardless of when consumption or ingestion occurred. Refusal

of an employee to undergo testing or to cooperate fully with any of these tests is also a

violation of our policy and could lead to disciplinary action up to and including

termination.

Our employees are also prohibited from possessing, using, selling or purchasing any

alcoholic beverages or other mind-altering substances in School vehicles or on School

property. Off-premises possession, use, sale or purchase of mind-altering substances and

off-premise alcohol abuse is also prohibited.

This policy does not prohibit the proper use of medication under the direction of a

physician. However, the misuse or abuse of such drugs is prohibited. Employees who

are taking prescription or nonprescription drugs, which could affect their ability to

perform their job in a safe and efficient manner, must notify their immediate Division

Head of this fact when they report to work.

This policy does not prohibit adults from light drinking at School-related functions, such

as auctions, as long as the employee uses good judgment and students are not present.

Violation of any aspect of the School’s Drug and Alcohol Policy will result in discipline

up to and including immediate termination. In order to determine whether this Policy has

been violated, the School may examine all evidence available to it, including without

limitation, the employee being arrested for alcohol or drug related offenses. In addition,

the School may report use, sale or possession concerns to the civil authorities.

Fighting, Threats, and Weapons

The School has a zero tolerance policy regarding fighting or threatening words or

conduct. We also do not allow the possession of weapons of any kind on School

premises.

Fraud, Dishonesty, and False Statements

Falsification of any application, medical history record, invoice, paperwork, time record,

or any other document is strictly prohibited. If you observe any such violations, please

report them to your Human Resources or the Head of School immediately.


General Bulletin Boards

We maintain bulletin boards at various locations throughout the School as an important

information source. These bulletin boards are to be used solely to post information

approved by the School regarding School policies, governmental regulations, and other

matters of concern to all employees that are related to the employees’ employment by the

School. Please develop a habit of checking the bulletin boards daily so that you will be

familiar with the information posted there.

Gifts and Gratuities

Employees should never request any personal gift or gratuity from anyone associated

with the School.

Hazing/Bullying/Harassment Among Students

Although we encourage students to participate in School-related athletics, clubs,

associations, organizations and other groups is encouraged, the School prohibits all forms

of hazing. Hazing refers to any activity expected of a student to join or to continue

membership or participation in any group where the activity produces or could be

expected to produce mental, emotional or physical discomfort, humiliation,

embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule to the student, regardless of the student's

willingness to participate. If you are not sure whether something constitutes hazing, then

you need to ask the Administration. Hazing violates Florida law.

Similarly, we also prohibit any type of bullying or harassment type activity among our

students. The School is dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes kindness,

acceptance, and embraces differences among individuals. Harassment includes, but is not

limited to, slurs, jokes, and other verbal, graphic, or offensive conduct relating to race,

religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, or disability. Bullying

includes, but is not limited to, physical or verbal aggression (hitting, kicking, taunting,

teasing, threatening, ridiculing, etc.), relational aggression (harming or threatening to

harm relationships or acceptance, friendship, or group inclusion), emotional aggression

(teasing, threatening, intimidating others). The School also prohibits cyber-bullying

(creating websites, instant messaging, e-mails, using camera phones, or other forms of

technology to engage in harassment or bullying). Any of these types of offensive

conduct can create an uncomfortable School environment.

All School employees are required to immediately report any actual or suspected hazing,

bullying, or harassment activity among the students to the Administration. The failure to

make such a report could result in disciplinary action in accordance with the School’s

disciplinary procedures. When the School administration becomes aware of any actual or

planned hazing, bullying, or harassment activity, the situation will be promptly

investigated. No adverse action will be taken against any person who makes a good faith

report of hazing or suspected hazing activity.


Inspection of Property

Please use good judgment in what you bring onto the School premises. The School is not

responsible for the theft of one’s personal property. Therefore, you should take care to

ensure that it is properly stored at all times.

In order to protect the safety and property of employees, students, and parents, the School

reserves the right to inspect all areas on school property, school buses, and employees’

personal property, including but not limited to, tool boxes, desks, purses, briefcases,

packages, cabinets, vehicles, cabinets, and electronics (such as computers, laptops,

Blackberries, PDAs, iPhones, iPads, cameras, etc.) brought onto school property, school

buses, or to school sponsored events. Inspection of electronics includes inspection of the

contents, such as emails, texts, photos, images, documents, address books, and any other

information contained within such electronics, including all communications on the

School’s systems from/to an employee’s private email account such as Yahoo, AOL,

etc.). Failure to cooperate with such inspections is a violation of this policy.

Insubordination

We expect every employee to follow the reasonable and lawful instructions of

administrators and other management officials. Failure to do so constitutes

insubordination and may result in immediate dismissal.

Interaction and Communication with Students

The School expects that all employees will act with the highest integrity around the

students of the School. Employees should exercise good judgment and remember that

even the appearance of impropriety could reflect negatively on the School.

As employees of an educational institution, you are held to a higher standard by parents,

students, colleagues, and members of the public. We support and endorse a strict policy

of respect toward students and expect employees to act at all times as adult role models.

In addition, students typically respond better to faculty and administrators and evidence

greater levels of respect when appropriate expectations are established right from the

beginning of the relationship. Therefore, you should ensure that you do not engage in

any interaction or communication that may reflect even the appearance of impropriety or

make students feel uncomfortable in your presence. If you are not sure whether a

particular comment or action may be appropriate, it is far better to avoid the behavior

than risk negative consequences.

The following are examples of inappropriate interactions and communications with

students. This list is not all inclusive and other, similar activities should also be avoided:


Calling students on their cell or at home for non-school related matters;

Encouraging or allowing students to call you by an inappropriate nickname;

Touching students or their clothing in non-professional ways or inappropriate

places, or touching a student with aggression, in frustration, or when you are

highly emotional;

Giving your phone number or asking for other students’ phone numbers for

use in situations other than for legitimate school reasons;

Making too personal comments to students (about their clothing, hair, nail

polish, personal habits, etc.)

Being alone with a student in a room, vehicle, or other area;

Sending e-mails, texts, or writing notes to students of a personal nature;

“Friending” a student on a social networking site;

Giving students rides, except in emergency situations;

Suggesting or permitting students to sit on your lap at any time;

Engaging students to complete personal errands for you;

Discussing the personal affairs of other students or your colleagues;

Using the boys’ or girls’ restroom when any students are present;

Speaking with innuendo to suggest a relationship or sexual subjects;

Flirting;

Visiting students to “hang out” in their hotel rooms when on field trips or

sporting events;

Swearing, making inappropriate sexual, racial/or ethnic comments;

Creating a social networking site and then inviting students to view or

participate in the site;

Telling off-color jokes; and

Dating or engaging in consensual relationships with students.

In addition, employees should never physically move, grab, or touch a student, or grab

something from a student, with aggression or because of frustration. You should never

treat a student with anything less than respect and dignity. If a student does not follow

directions as expected, you should communicate clearly your instructions and, if the

student does not listen or respond appropriately, you should take appropriate action,

which could include any number of responses, such as separating the student from the

group; walking up to the student and ensuring that the student clearly sees you

communicate with him/her; removing the student from the activity; communicating with

the parent after the event; writing a counseling report; etc.

Moreover, if you are an employee who is also a parent of a student at our School, you are

expected to address perceived problems or alleged inequities by other students (bullying,

etc.) in the same way all other parents are to address such actions. Report the problem to

the appropriate administrator. Do not take personal action to address the situation.

We certainly encourage close relationships between faculty and students. However, all

after-school and away from campus contact with students (including transporting students


in a staff member’s vehicle, babysitting, going to dinner, etc.) must first be cleared with

the Head of School in each specific instance.

All employees are responsible for the welfare of our students. If you observe any

employee engaging in any type of inappropriate or questionable behavior with a student,

or violating any aspect of this policy, please report the information immediately to Head

of School, Asst. Head of School or Human Resources. In addition, as a part of every

employee’s obligation to keep children and our campus safe, if you have received

information reflecting that any person who may regularly or periodically visit the

school’s campus (student, employee, parent, spouse of an employee, family member,

volunteer, or contractor) has engaged in behavior that could constitute abuse, has been

accused, arrested, or convicted of any type of potential abuse or sexual misconduct

toward any other person, you must immediately report such information to the Head of

School.

Any employee who engages in behavior that violates this policy or who fails to report

such activity by others will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including

termination of employment.

Leaving the Building

If you must leave the school property during the day, notify the office when you leave

and when you return. You are required to sign out (name and time of departure), and

initial your return in the log. It is important for the office to know where school personnel

are at all times. In addition, if you should be inadvertently delayed, arrangements can be

made to cover your class.

Misuse of Property

Our policy prohibits the misuse or use without authorization of the equipment, vehicles or

other property of parents, students, vendors, other employees of the School.

Overtime

The School may periodically schedule non-exempt employee’s mandatory after-hours or

weekend work in order to meet School needs. We will attempt to give you as much

advance notice as possible, and we expect that all employees who are scheduled to work

after hours or weekends will be at work, unless excused by their Division Head.


Outside Employment

It is important that other employment and outside interests do not interfere in any way

with our job at this School. We expect that you will be careful that extra hours of work

do not affect your performance here.

If a second job could create a potential conflict of interest, for example, working for a

competitor, you are expected to discuss the matter with your Division Head, if applicable,

or with the Head of School.

Telephone Usage

Most classrooms have a telephone installed. Each teacher has a voice mailbox which can

be accessed from any telephone. Teachers should check their voice mail regularly. This is

one of the main ways parents will contact you.

If you do not have a telephone in your classroom, you can access your voice mail from

any other phone.

During the teaching day, calls will automatically be put through to your voice mail. This

will ensure minimal disruption to your teaching. Emergency calls will be put through

directly to your class. Should the telephone ring, please answer it.

Use of the classroom telephone by students must be supervised, and teachers should use

their discretion as to when and why a student calls home.

Personal calls should be kept to a minimum.

Public Relations

It is of paramount importance that a positive atmosphere is present at all times in dealing

with the parents and the public. Since our organization is a private school, we must

constantly project the image of a school in which parents would be eager and proud to

have their child enrolled. It is extremely important, also, that employees discuss school

matters positively with parents and other staff members. It is imperative that telephone

calls/e-mails from parents be returned within 24 hours. If at any time during the school

year you feel that you have a legitimate complaint, or would like to discuss policy with

the administration, we hope that you will not hesitate to do so. The administration will

make every effort to ensure that all reasonable needs and desires of employees are met.

You must avoid negative conversation with your colleagues or parents. Talk to your

Division Head or administrator instead.


Reference Requests

All requests for information about current or former employees must be directed to the

Head of School for handling. Any employee who responds to a reference request without

first obtaining permission from the Head of School will be subject to disciplinary action,

up to and including termination of employment.

Sleeping and Inattention

We expect every employee to be fully alert while on the job to ensure the safety of all

employees and to properly fulfill our responsibilities. Therefore, we cannot tolerate

sleeping or inattention on the job.

Security

Every employee shares the responsibility of school safety. Any dangerous or hazardous

conditions should be reported to the office or to the maintenance personnel immediately.

Unsafe conditions on the playing field, the corridors, in the bathrooms, or classrooms

should be reported immediately.

Our maintenance staff conducts regular inspections of playground equipment and storage

areas to be sure that a proper level of safety is being maintained.

St. Thomas works hard to try to provide a secure environment for the students and the

employees. No school however is immune to problems relating to security. It is necessary

for all school personnel to be aware of strangers on campus, individuals who loiter near

the playground or classrooms, or any other incident that seems suspicious.

No visitors are allowed on our school premises without prior authorization. Workmen in

the building generally come on a scheduled basis and are usually accompanied by one of

our own maintenance staff.

If an individual appears on the premises without identification, or you feel that the person

does not belong, you may consider approaching him/her and asking in a friendly manner

if they need assistance. If the individual is looking for a member of staff or a child, escort

him/her to the school office. If you do not feel comfortable approaching the individual,

simply notify the office. Do not alarm the students, but find a quick and direct way to

relay the information to the office. If you see any unauthorized individuals in the

building, be sure that your students are in your classroom and the doors are locked.

If you see someone engaging in suspicious activity (going through cars, looking through

empty classrooms) notify the office and the police will be called. Do NOT attempt to

physically restrain anyone.


Smoking

The School is a smoke free campus. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the campus.

Social Media and Social Networking Policies and Procedures

We understand that social media can be a fun and rewarding way to share your life and

opinions with family, friends and co-workers around the world. However, use of social

media also presents certain risks and carries with it certain responsibilities. To assist you

in making responsible decisions about your use of social media, we have established

these guidelines for appropriate use of social media. This policy applies to all employees

who work for the School.

In an effort to maintain professional relationships with students and parents and

avoid bias, school policy prohibits employees from initiating or accepting invitations

to “friend” recent alumni (students who have graduated within one year), students,

and parents, or other family members of students on any social networking site. Remember that people classified as “friends” have the ability to download and share your

information with others. Employees should have privacy settings set to “only friends”.

Guidelines

In the rapidly expanding world of electronic communication, social media can mean

many things. Social media includes all means of communicating or posting information

or content of any sort on the Internet, including to your own or someone else’s web log or

blog, journal or diary, personal web site, social networking or affinity web site, web

bulletin board or a chat room, whether or not associated or affiliated with the School, as

well as any other form of electronic communication. The same principles and guidelines

found in the School’s policies apply to your activities online. Ultimately, you are solely

responsible for what you post online. Before creating online content, consider some of

the risks and rewards that are involved. Keep in mind that any of your conduct that

adversely affects your job performance, the performance of fellow employees or

otherwise adversely affects students, parents, donors, suppliers, or other people who work

on behalf of the School or the School’s legitimate business interests may result in

disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Know and Follow the Rules

Carefully read these guidelines, and the School’s discrimination, harassment, and other

conduct policies to ensure your postings are consistent with these policies. Inappropriate

postings that may include discriminatory remarks, harassment, and threats of violence or

similar inappropriate or unlawful conduct will not be tolerated and may subject you to

disciplinary action up to and including termination.


Be Respectful

Always be fair and courteous to fellow employees, students, parents, suppliers or vendors

who work on behalf of the School. Also, keep in mind that you are more likely to resolve

work related complaints by speaking directly with your co-workers or by utilizing our

Open Door Policy than by posting complaints to a social media outlet. Nevertheless, if

you decide to post complaints or criticism, avoid using statements, photographs, video, or

audio that reasonably could be viewed as malicious, obscene, threatening or intimidating,

that disparages fellow employees, students, parents, suppliers or vendors who work on

behalf of the School, that disclose confidential information (such as pricing, medical

information, donations, student disciplinary action) or that might constitute harassment or

bullying. Examples of such conduct might include offensive posts meant to intentionally

harm someone’s reputation or posts that could contribute to a hostile work environment

on the basis of race, sex, disability, religion or any other status protected by law or

company policy.

Be Honest and Accurate

Make sure you are always honest and accurate when posting information or news, and if

you make a mistake, correct it quickly. Be open about any previous posts you have

altered. Remember that the Internet archives almost everything; therefore, even deleted

postings can be searched. Never post any information or rumors about the School,

students, parents, donors, suppliers or vendors or other school’s that you know to be

false.

Post Only Appropriate and Respectful Content

Maintain the confidentiality of the School’s trade secrets and private or confidential

information. Trade secrets may include information regarding the development of

systems, processes, curriculum, know-how and technology. Do not post internal reports,

policies, procedures or other internal School-related confidential communications. Do

not post pictures of students unless you have received approval from your Division

Director and it is on a School sanctioned site. Post only what you want the world to

see. Once you post something it may be available, even after it is removed from the site.

Do not create a link from your blog, website or other social networking site to a School

website without identifying yourself as an employee.

Express only your personal opinions. Never represent yourself as a spokesperson for the

School. If the School is a subject of the content you are creating, be clear and open about

the fact that you are an employee and make it clear that your views do not represent those

of the School, fellow employees, students, parents, donors, suppliers or vendors working

on behalf of the School. If you do publish a blog or post online related to the work you do

or subjects associated with the School, make it clear that you are not speaking on behalf


of the School. It is best to include a disclaimer such as “The postings on this site are my

own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the School.

Employees should also be aware that the School periodically checks such sites and may

determine that off campus behavior violates the School conduct code.

Using Social Media at Work

Refrain from using social media while on work time or on equipment we provide, unless

it is work-related as authorized by your Supervisor, the IT Director or the President. Do

not use your School email address to register on social networks, blogs or other online

tools utilized for personal use.

Retaliation is Prohibited

The School prohibits taking negative action against any employee for reporting a possible

deviation from this policy or for cooperating in an investigation. Any employee who

retaliates against another employee for reporting a possible deviation from this policy or

for cooperating in an investigation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and


Solicitation and Distribution

Solicitation by an employee of another employee during the working time of either

employee for any reason is strictly prohibited. Distribution of advertising materials,

handbills or other literature is prohibited in all working areas at all time. Solicitation and

distribution by non-employees is prohibited on School premises at all times. This

prohibition does not include school-related find-raising projects.

All school, parent, and student handbooks, directories or class lists are solely intended for

the use of St. Thomas staff and families as a resource and convenience to them. Please do

not release or use any of these for business solicitation or political canvassing.

Theft

We do not tolerate theft in any form. In order to protect you, your co-workers, faculty,

our students, and the School, we reserve the right to inspect personal property as outlined

in the Inspection of Property Policy.

Timekeeping Procedures

Unless otherwise notified, each non-exempt employee is required by Federal law and by

this School to keep an accurate record of his or her hours worked each day and each

week. Your Division Head will advise you how you are to record your time on a hand


written time sheet. We expect you to record on your time record all time that you work

for the School.

Any changes or corrections to your time record must be initialed by you and your

Division Head.

Transportation of Students

When students are transported from St. Thomas to any other destination, the School will

make arrangements with a private bus company. These bus companies are required to

provide proof of adequate liability/collision/accident insurance. Parents are never asked

to provide transportation for students on a class trip.

Teachers, Associates, aides, or School personnel are NEVER authorized to transport

students. If a child is ill and needs to be taken home, a parent or adult listed on the

emergency card will be called. If a child is delayed after school, you should NOT be the

person responsible for taking the child home. Otherwise, in the event of an accident, the

Church, the School, and the teacher, individually, could be held liable.

Unlawful Activity

No employee may engage in any unlawful activity (whether prosecuted or not) either on

or off the job.

Whistleblower Policy

The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics requires all employees to observe high

standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and

responsibilities. The School expects all employees to practice honesty and integrity in

fulfilling their responsibilities and to comply with the Code and with all applicable laws

and regulations.

This Whistleblower Policy is intended to facilitate the reporting of violations or suspected

violations of applicable laws or regulations or of any of School’s policies. It is the

responsibility of all employees to report any such violations or suspected violations in

accordance with this Whistleblower Policy.

1. What types of violations or suspected violations are covered by this

Whistleblower Policy?

We strongly encourage the prompt reporting of any of the following violations or

suspected violations: questionable accounting, internal accounting controls, or

auditing matters; violations of local, state, or federal laws or regulations;

violations of the School’s Code of Conduct and Ethics.

2. How do I report a Violation?


Employees are strongly encouraged to raise their concerns about violations or

suspected violations by submitting them in the form of a complaint to the Head of

School. However, if for any reason an employee is not comfortable speaking to

the Head of School or does not believe the issue is being properly addressed, the

employee may contact, Human Resources or the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

All complaints should be in writing and should include a full statement of the acts

or omissions, along with relevant dates, forming the basis of the complaint. In

addition, the complaint should state that it is being made pursuant to this

Whistleblower Policy.

To facilitate the investigation of the complaint, the complaint should include

contact information for the person making the complaint. Reports of concerns

and investigations pertaining thereto, shall be kept confidential to the extent

possible. However, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation,

complete confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. An employee submitting a

complaint on a confidential, anonymous basis is not required to include contact

information, but should be aware that the nature of the concerns may lead to the

identification of that person as the source of the complaint.

3. How will reported Violations be investigated?

The School will assess every complaint submitted under this Whistleblower

Policy and determine the appropriate next steps, including investigation and

resulting corrective and/or disciplinary actions, if appropriate. Matters reported

internally will be assessed by the Head of School to determine if the allegations

are true, whether the issue is material and what actions, if any, are necessary to

correct the problem. The Head of School will issue a full report of all matters

raised under this policy to the appropriate committee of the Board.

4. Will my employment be terminated if I report a Violation under this

Whistleblower Policy?

This Whistleblower policy is intended to encourage all employees to raise serious

concerns within the School for investigation and appropriate action. With this

goal in mind, the School DOES NOT permit retaliation (for example, disciplinary

action, demotion, or job termination) or discrimination of any kind against any

individual who submits, in good faith, a complaint under this Whistleblower

Policy. Moreover, an individual who retaliates against someone who has reported

a concern in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of

employment. At the same time, employees are expected to act in good faith.

Good faith means that the employee has reasonable grounds for believing the

matter raised is a Violation. Reports made not in good faith will be viewed as a


serious disciplinary offense and may result in discipline, up to and including

termination of employment. Depending on the circumstances, such conduct may

give rise to other actions, including civil or criminal lawsuits.

5. Who is responsible for this Whistleblower Policy?

The School’s Board of Trustees administers this policy and will review this policy

periodically and make modifications if required or appropriate.

PERSONNEL FILES

Your personnel file is kept by the Human Resources Department. This file contains your

social security number, current address, telephone numbers, employment application,

teaching certification, copies of diplomas and degrees, copies of classroom observation

forms, transcripts from classes, workshops or training sessions you may have attended,

and other information pertinent to your employment at St. Thomas. Please keep all

documents up to date. If you wish to see the contents of your file, an appointment should

be made with Human Resources.

PERSONNEL DATA CHANGES

It is the responsibility of each employee to promptly notify Human Resources of any

changes in personnel data such as:

Mailing address

Telephone numbers

Name and number of dependents

An employee’s personnel data should be accurate and current at all times.


DRESS CODE

What we wear “speaks”, whether any message is intended or not. Since this is an

educational environment, it seems appropriate for us to consider what we want to

communicate about ourselves, and more importantly, about the School. Teaching is a

profession and professional attire is required at St. Thomas.

The silent language of personal appearance not only projects an image of oneself, but is

also part of the total impression that the School gives to students and parents. It is

incumbent on the employee to set good examples within traditional and conservative

parameters, even where school decorum might conflict with contemporary style.

Appropriate dress, neatness, professionalism, and good grooming are considered essential

for all times when you are on School property or at School-related events. Employees

may not wear jeans, shorts, or warm-up suits, except on designated days.

Male staff should, with the exception of special occasions, wear a collar and tie, or a

School crested shirt (from Apple Uniform). There will be occasions when a jacket should

also be worn.

The following items are NOT allowed:

NO Long Dresses/skirts

NO Jeans/Denim – except on dress down days

NO Capris/Pedal Pushers

NO Leggings

NO Warm up/Jogging suits – except in cold weather

NO T-Shirts

NO Flip Flops

NO Thong sandals

NO Sandals - unless they have a strap around the ankle

NO Sneakers - only with doctor’s note or on field trips

NO Backless/strapless/spaghetti strap shirts

NO Halter tops

NO Visible tattoos

All clothes should be ironed/pressed. Nothing too tight, too short, or too low may be

worn (no cleavage revealed).

Skirts/Dresses: Length of skirt and dresses should fall at the knee or below. Nothing

shorter will be acceptable.

Pants: All pants are to be full length and no more that 1 inch above the ankles. Pants are

to be worn at the waist (no sagging or baggy).

Earrings:

Women – no more than one earring in each ear

Men- no earrings


Please see Human Resources if you have any questions.

KEYS

Issued keys remain the responsibility of the staff member. If your keys are lost or stolen,

please notify the office. Keys must be returned to the Human Resources upon termination

of employment.

Keys may never be duplicated.

MAINTENANCE ISSUES

Emergencies should be reported to the office. They will liaise with the Head of

Maintenance.

For other work requiring attention, you need to fill out a Maintenance Request form

(Appendix 1) and place it in the Director of Maintenances mailbox.

Expenses for work must be approved by Administration and the Director of Finance &

Operations BEFORE completing the maintenance form.

Any additional requests for help should be directed in writing the Director of

Maintenance. Please do not go directly to the other maintenance staff.


SAFETY

Disruptive Incidents - The signal for a serious disruptive incident will be an

announcement over the intercom asking for ‘Mr. Blue’ to come to the office. Upon

hearing this signal, teachers will implement the following procedure:

Close and lock all classroom doors.

Keep all students in their classrooms. No student is to leave the room.

If a child is out of the class - in the bathroom, etc. – call office

One person from the custodial staff will report to the office immediately to

assist; the others will lock all vacant classrooms.

An announcement over the intercom will signal the end of the disruption.

Continue to teach class normally.

The office will contact the coach and any teachers that are outside with their

classes and direct them to a safe place

If a disruptive incident occurs in your area, notify the office or another member of staff

immediately.

‘Mr. Green’ is the ‘all clear’, and after this announcement normal activities may resume.

Fire Evacuation Plan - Evacuation routes should be reviewed. (Appendix 1). This

‘path’ must be posted in each classroom, where all teachers and children can see it. Fire

drills are held periodically throughout the year. Be sure you review this procedure with

the children. Teachers are to accompany the children out of the building to the designated

safe area.

Students are to exit the classroom single file. Teachers are to check the room to be sure

all children have left, especially rooms with self-contained bathrooms. The lights and

ceiling fans should be turned off and the door to the classroom closed but not locked.

TEACHERS MUST TAKE THEIR ROLL BOOKS WITH THEM. When the class

reaches the safety point, roll should be taken to be sure all students are present. Hold up

the green card (carefully review the crisis management brochure). Special area teachers

should also follow this procedure.

Assigned staff members will check other common areas to be sure that no child is left

behind. When the ‘all clear’ signal is given, return to your class.

In the event of an actual fire, the teacher should activate the nearest fire alarm station. In

this case after the evacuation, everyone must wait for the fire department to give the ‘all

clear’ signal.


Severe Lightning/Weather Dismissal will be delayed until it is determined to be safe to walk students to the cars.

Students should pack up and wait in their classrooms. Homeroom teachers will be

notified by the Office when it is safe to continue dismissal.

Rainy Day Holding Areas On rainy days when lightning is not severe, dismissal also needs to be as orderly as

possible. Please bring your students to their designated areas no later than 3:10pm and

stay with them to supervise. Instruct them before you bring them to remain QUIET and

ATTENTIVE so that everyone can hear the name of the students whose parents have

arrived. Students need to leave an aisle for departing students.

Hurricane Protocol If hurricane conditions should develop, or any other natural disaster, St. Thomas School

will follow the same guidelines as the Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Announcements of this nature can be heard on local radio or television stations. Check

with radio station WIOD, 610 AM for our school information. The schedule for the re-

opening of St. Thomas may vary from public and other private schools. You will be

notified by our One Call System, via phone, cell, email, or personal contact.

In your classroom, all objects are to be moved away from the windows and covered with

plastic. Computers, other electrical equipment and materials should be securely covered,

and where possible moved into your classroom bathroom. Also, unplug the phone.

(See also Crisis Management)


SEPARATION POLICIE

Notice of Resignation

In the event you choose to resign from your position, we ask that you give us at least two

week notice (or additional notice if specified in your contract). We expect you to take

care of all your outstanding account with the School, leave your office/room in an orderly

condition, and return all School property, including keys, documents, and uniforms prior

to picking up your final paycheck.

Exit Interview

Any employee leaving the School is required to attend an exit interview conducted by

Human Resources. The purpose of the interviews is to determine the reasons for leaving

and to resolve any questions of compensation, insurance continuation, return of School

property, or other related matters.


Non-Contractual Employee (Staff) Acknowledgment

This will acknowledge that I have received my copy of St. Thomas Episcopal Parish

School’s Employee Handbook and that I will familiarize myself with its contents.

I understand that this Handbook represents the current policies, regulations, and benefits,

and that any and all policies or practices can be changed at any time by the School. The

School retains the right to add, change or delete wages, benefits, policies and all other

working conditions at any time.

I understand that nothing in the Employee Handbook creates or is intended to create a

promise or representation of continued employment and that employment at the school is

employment at-will, that I may be terminated at the will of either the school or myself. I

understand that I have the right to terminate my employment at any time, with or without

cause or notice, and that the school has a similar right. I further understand that my status

as an “at-will” employee may not be changed except in writing signed by the Head of

School. My signature below certifies that I understand the foregoing agreement that at-

will status is the sole and entire agreement between the school and myself concerning the

duration of my employment and the circumstances under which my employment may be

terminated. It supersedes all prior agreement, understandings, and representation

(whether written or oral) concerning my employment with the School.

Signed _______________________________________________

Date _________________________________________________

Print Full Name ________________________________________


Contractual Employee Acknowledgment

This will acknowledge that I have received my copy of the St. Thomas Episcopal Parish

School Employee Handbook and that I will familiarize myself with its contents.

I understand that this Handbook represents the current policies, regulations, and benefits,

and that any and all policies or practices can be changed at any time by the School. The

School retains the right to add, change or delete wages, benefits, policies and all other

working conditions at any time.

I understand that nothing in this Handbook creates or is intended to create a promise or

representation of continued employment and that my employment at the school is

pursuant to a separate, written employment contract. I further understand that my

employment may be terminated in accordance with the provisions of the contract or,

where they do not conflict, the provisions of this Handbook. I understand that my

contract may not be changed except in writing signed by the Head of School. My

signature below certifies that I understand the foregoing agreement that the separate

employment contract is the sole and entire agreement between the school and myself

concerning the duration of my employment. My signature also certifies that I understand

that, except for the separate written contract I have with the School covering the period

designated in such contract, this manual supersedes all prior manuals, handbooks,

agreement, understanding and representations (whether written or oral) concerning my

employment with the school.

Signed ___________________________________________________

Date _____________________________________________________

Print Full Name ___________________________________________


Part Two: Faculty Procedure and Policies

ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL FUNCTIONS

All members of the teaching staff will perform such professional duties as are assigned

from time to time by the Head of School. The Head of School delegates responsibilities

to the Associate Head of School.

There are several times during the year that you will be required to be present at School

functions for example: Staff Retreat, Parent Orientation relevant to your grade, Back-to-

School Night, a Christmas concert or service, Ballet recital and the Fifth Grade

Graduation. In addition, you are encouraged to attend other events in the life of the

School such as certain Parent Education nights, the play and sporting events. These

events are generally scheduled well in advance to give you the opportunity to make any

necessary arrangements.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS

These days are student free. All staff and faculty are expected to attend workshops

offered on those days.

TEACHER WORK DAYS

Are designed as full work days and are for report card writing, interim reports, lesson

plan and curriculum development, preparing objectives for report cards, working in the

classroom, etc.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE DAYS

Parent/Teacher Conference Days with noon dismissals for students are for classroom

teachers to conference with parents. On these half days the special area teachers are

expected to engage in work related activities on campus unless an off campus visitation

to another school has been pre-approved.


NOON DISMISSALS

Noon Dismissals are designed for all faculty and staff members to leave as soon as the

last students leave campus.

FACULTY MEETINGS

Grade school faculty meetings are scheduled on Wednesdays. The meetings begin at 3:30

with some concluding at 4:30 and some at 5:00. Prior notice will be given as to the date

and time. Preschool faculty meetings will be scheduled by the division head and you will

be given notice of date and time. Spanish Department meets on the second Tuesday of

each month during their lunch time and any other Tuesday as needed. All teachers and

associates/aides are expected to attend faculty meetings unless otherwise notified. For

faculty meeting, you will be notified the week of the meeting if you are to attend and the

length of the meeting.

In the event you are unable to attend a faculty meeting, please notify the Head or

Associate Head, and have someone in your grade level be responsible for sharing the

information with you on the following day. If you wish to bring something to the

attention of the staff at one of these meetings, please inform the appropriate person

(Head, Associate Head, or Preschool Director) prior to the meeting.


PROFESSIONALISM

While it is imperative that we deal with our students in the most professional manner, it is

equally important that we uphold the highest standards in our personal and professional

relationships with each other. Loyalty and support of the School, and each other is crucial

if we are to maintain professional standing and distance with our students and their

parents.

A teacher at St. Thomas will support his/her colleagues in maintaining a school climate

which allows good teaching to prosper:

By contributing to the total educational program of the School according to his or

her abilities and interests;

By enforcing the School’s declared codes of behavior, expectations and standards,

of all students at all times.

Further, teachers are prohibited from discussing any aspect of any student’s progress or

behavior except in the most professional of settings. Exceptions to this would be in a

formal group conference or an approved conference with an outside professional that

would benefit the child. (In this case, a signed release form from the parent would also be

necessary.)

It is imperative that all teachers, associate teachers, and office staff strictly observe

students’ and families’ confidentiality. Confidences should not be shared unless you feel

they jeopardize the child’s health, safety, or well being; and then, only with the

Administration or with the Learning Specialist. Trust and confidentiality are essential

elements in our school/home relationship.

A proper professional distance is imperative in our relationships with parents and

students. While to be effective as teachers and to enjoy our students, we must get close to

them, we cannot allow that closeness to become over-familiarity. If we do so, we run the

risk that our relationships with parents and students will compromise our professionalism.

Such actions, even if merely perceived, can destroy the reputation of an individual as well

as an institution. The best guideline is simply to carry ourselves in such a way that we

never allow a compromising situation to occur, and if in doubt, don’t.

Members of the Board of Trustees who are parents of current students can present a

delicate situation for faculty as we teach their children. The School is best served if Board

Member-parent issues concerning their children are handled the same way as with our

other parents, with dispatch, diplomacy and professionalism. Faculty who are anxious

about such matters or who feel they are in a potentially compromising situation because

of a Board member, are advised to involve an Administrator in a prudent and timely

fashion.


In house, we could and probably will have professional differences. Likewise, we can

expect to disagree personally. The proper time and place for these differences to be aired

is within our professional environment and never outside. With our assertive and

ambitious parent body, we must be especially careful of confidentialities, judgments of

others or criticisms, implied or explicit. We should be mutually supportive of each other

in public.

You should understand that the right to disagreement carries with it the obligation to

support the School’s policies once they have been formulated.


AFTER SCHOOL

The School encourages faculty to offer extra help to students from 3:30pm – 4:00pm. If

you are planning to keep a child after school for any reason (extra help or disciplinary),

parents and the front office must be notified in advance. Not only is this a professional

courtesy, but it will also help alleviate traffic problems in the Circle, and extraneous

worry or frustration by parents.


ATTENDANCE

Teacher

As a professional, you are aware of the importance of your presence in the classroom.

We expect good attendance from the students, and as teachers, we should model the same

behavior. Naturally there are times when we are ill and unable to teach. When this occurs,

you should notify: the Coordinator of Substitutes. If calling at night, please call BEFORE

10:00p.m. or in the morning between 6:15a.m. and 7:00a.m.

Absence: (Personal/Professional) – Personal/Professional requests for leave must be

presented to the Associate Head at least 2 weeks prior to requested dates. In order to

provide teaching continuity for our students, the administration reserves the right to limit

the number of personal/professional leave requests. Please do not request a personal

leave on a black out day.

It is the responsibility of the school to secure a substitute. Please DO NOT make your

own arrangements. Our substitute list contains many well-qualified teachers who are in

demand at other schools, so when possible, please notify Coordinator of Substitutes as

early as possible.

Classrooms should be open no later than 8:00a.m (Fifth - 7:45a.m.). It is important for

you to be on time because students will be in your room and need supervision. If the

situation arises and you are going to be late, please call the office so that we can arrange

to have someone in your classroom when the children arrive.

If you should become ill during the school day, let the office know and the coordinator of

substitutes. We will arrange for someone to cover your class. If you feel unable to drive

home, or have some other serious problem, please let us know and we will assist you.

Student

Student attendance is very important. Accurate records should be kept of days absent or

tardy. You should use the computer program to mark attendance. This must be done

daily before 9:00a.m. – The information logged should reflect attendance as of 8:10a.m.

that day. Attendance information is recorded on the report card each Marking Period, and

again in the cumulative folder at the end of the school year.

Unexcused excessive tardiness is unacceptable. When a student has an excessive number

of absences or tardies, please notify the Administration. It may be necessary to arrange

for a conference with the parents. There is also a place on the report card to indicate if

excessive absences are affecting school work.


Students are expected to make up work missed when they are absent. Parents of absent

children may request homework assignments to be made available for collection at the

end of that school day (3:15p.m.). Parents have been asked to make this request before

8:30a.m. Please check your voice mail for such messages so the books and assignments

can be ready.

If a student is absent for more than ten (10) days in one Marking Period, an ‘incomplete’

can be issued on the report card until all work is made up to the satisfaction of each of the

student’s teachers. A conference should be scheduled with parents of any student with

total absences exceeding ten (10) days.

Lateness

Students in Preschool – Fourth Grade must be in their classrooms by 8:10a.m. Students in

Fifth Grade must be in their rooms by 8:00a.m. At this time, students not in the

classroom should be marked absent. Students arriving late should not enter your

classroom without a pink slip from the office. At the end of the day, you should amend

the ‘absent’ marking to one reflecting ‘tardy’.

Special Area teachers who receive a pink slip from a student must ensure that it is given

to the Homeroom teacher by the end of that same day. This will allow the Homeroom

teacher to amend their attendance register.

At the conclusion of each Grading Period, the office will print out each student’s

attendance record. Half-day attendance will be allocated for an accumulated four (4)

hours attendance in one day.


CHAPEL COMPANION

A special privilege for our older students in Fifth Grade is to help the Preschool and

kindergarten teachers with their classes in Chapel. These students should be chosen for

dependability, patience, and responsibility, as well as their interest in helping.

When you need the services of older children for Chapel, PLEASE ensure they return to

their homerooms immediately after the service. Preschool Chapel companions should

accompany the class to the door of the classroom, and then return to their homeroom.

Kindergarten Chapel companions do not need to accompany the kindergarten back to

class, but should return to their homeroom as Chapel is dismissed. It is very helpful to the

older students if you tell them specifically how they can best help you with your students.

If you come to feel the Chapel companion needs as much supervision as the little ones,

speak to a Fifth Grade teacher. If a discussion with the student does not bring about a

change, you will be assigned a different Chapel companion.


MASTER/PHD BONUS

Any member of our Faculty that has earned a Master/PHD is entitled to receive a onetime

$1,000 bonus added to the employee’s base pay.


BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Faculty may not communicate with the Board of Trustees on matters to do with

employment conditions or on matters affecting the administration and educational

practice of the school without concurrently informing the Head of School of his/her

desire to do so. Correspondence should only be addressed to the Chairman of the Board,

and the Head of School should receive a copy.


BOOKING OF ROOMS

It is most important that the venues (Church, ECW, Bedell Room and Rantz Hall) which

are shared with the Parish, or which are available for a variety of uses, are booked

through the correct procedure.

Obtain a room request form from the office, and submit it to the schools Office Manager

(Appendix 1). The office will cross check your booking request with the church office to

ensure no clashes. If you require a special set up of the room, this should be clearly noted

on your booking form.

Please note that the Church is the center of the School’s religious life. It should not be

used for any other purpose without the approval of the Head of School and the Rector. If

such a purpose is accepted, then the conduct of all involved must still show a respect for

the Church’s primary role.

The use of School facilities outside the normal work day must be cleared with the Office

Manager.


CERTIFICATION

Possession of a permanent Florida Teaching Certificate is encouraged for all teachers at

St. Thomas. We expect our teachers to continually further their education. You are

encouraged and expected to enroll in college level education courses, workshops, and

other in-service training.

As a professional, we encourage you to work toward your certification and/or toward an

advanced degree.

If you need assistance or information, please see one of the Administrators.


CHAPEL SERVICES

Our Chapel services are a very special part of the day. For many families, it is one of the

most important reasons they chose our school. Chapel services are held each morning.

ALL children are required to attend. Children cannot be excused from regular chapel

attendance. Teachers will accompany their grade to Chapel. Pupils should be thoroughly

familiarized with the procedure and understand the proper attitude and behavior for

entering God’s house and maintaining reverence throughout the service. This should be

reinforced as the school year progresses. The example of faculty here is very important.

Students show respect to their priests, teacher and classmates when they:

- enter and exit the Chapel without talking;

- quietly lower and replace the kneelers;

- gently remove and return the hymnals to their holders;

- sing and participate with enthusiasm.

If a student is habitually late and is missing Chapel, please notify the parents and

Administration.

There is an Order for Daily Morning Chapel booklet that contains all the correct

responses and prayers. Please familiarize yourself with this so you can assist new

children.

Holy Eucharist – Is celebrated approximately once a month. Non-confirmed students

should also approach the altar and receive a blessing.

All members of the wider School community are invited to attend, and communicant

members of other Christian denominations are welcome to receive the Holy Eucharist.

Classroom teachers, teacher associates and special area teachers are required to attend

Eucharist.

Our chapel is the center of the School’s religious life. It should not be used for any other

purpose without the approval of the Head of School and the Rector. If such a purpose is

accepted, then the conduct of all involved must still show a respect for the church’s

primary role.

Chapel services:

Kindergarten, First and Second grades attend Little Chapel on a trimester rotation. For

the first trimester, the Kindergarten students attend “Little Chapel” on Tuesdays, First

grade attends “Little Chapel” on Monday, and Second grade attends on Thursday. The

rest of the week they participate in “Big Church” chapel service. For the second trimester

Kindergarten will attend Little Chapel on Thursday, First grade on Tuesday and Second


grade on Monday. And for the third trimester, Kindergarten will attend Little Chapel on

Monday, First grade on Thursday and Second grade on Tuesday.

While non-homeroom faculty is encouraged to attend daily Chapel, it is expected that

Administration, faculty, and staff will attend the monthly Communion service.

Exiting Chapel

Fifth: Exit down the center aisle FIRST. Upon exiting the south side doors, they will turn

right, follow the path, and proceed to the center stair well.

First Grade and Kindergarten: Follow the Fifth Grade out of the church and follow the

path back to their classrooms.

Third Grade: Exit the pews to the left and leave through the back of the church. Stay on

the RIGHT side of the staircase as they go up.

Fourth Grade: Exit the pews to the right and leave through the back of the church. Stay

on the LEFT side of the staircase as they go up.

Second Grade: Exit the pews to the right and leave through the back of the church

following behind Fourth Grade.

Jr. and Sr. Preschool: When attending Chapel, the Preschool should exit following

immediately behind the Fifth Grade, and preceding the First Grade and Kindergarten.


CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT

The environment we provide in the classroom should be attractive, exciting, and well –

organized. It should encourage exploration, curiosity, and investigation. Bulletin boards

should reflect current classroom activities and should be changed frequently. Use as

much student material as possible.

Interested families frequently tour our school. As they walk around, they have the

opportunity to see our classrooms, how our students behave and dress, and a glimpse of

the class-work. This ‘first impression’ should exemplify the exciting learning

environment that our school provides.

Children should be expected to assist in daily classroom chores. Picking up trash and

cleaning desks are appropriate tasks for your students and help to reinforce personal

responsibility.


CLASSROOM EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS

St. Thomas provides all necessary textbooks. If you wish to order texts or textbooks, the

order must be approved by the Director of Academics.

At the beginning of the school year, you will issue each child a set of textbooks and

workbooks. Be sure that the School’s name and address are stamped inside each one.

Books may be numbered to make assigning them easy. A student should receive the same

numbered text in all cases. This helps keep track of texts, and makes inventory at the end

of the year easier.

If a textbook or workbook is lost, damaged or defaced, please inform the Director of

Academics as to the replacement cost. The parents will be asked to pay for a replacement,

and a new book issued. During the first week of school, you may choose to have your

students cover their books with easily removable (non-permanent) covers.

Please note, that in some cases replacement texts are no longer available, and every effort

should be made to ensure the longevity of our current supply.

Should you need extra desks or chairs etc., please speak to the Head of Maintenance.


CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT

There are many different techniques and methods of classroom management. It is

important to find a style that is effective with your students and one with which you are

comfortable. Teachers who are firm, fair, and well-organized, with clear expectations for

their students, and who provide meaningful, thought-provoking activities tend to have

few discipline problems. There is a written R.E.A.L Code of Conduct that spells out

expectations and consequences for students and parents. It is a good place to start when

developing your own classroom management style. CLASSROOM RULES SHOULD BE POSTED FROM THE FIRST DAY OF

SCHOOL. These rules should be enforced UNIFORMALLY and CONSISTENTLY

throughout the year. The R.E.A.L. Code of Conduct is the point of reference. (Appendix

2) It may also be helpful to include a lesson(s) on appropriate student behavior in

Chapel, in the restrooms, at lunch during the first week of school.

You, as the classroom teacher, are responsible for the behavior of your students at all

times, both in and out of the classroom. You are expected to handle day-to-day

behavioral issues. For second through fifth grades, the discipline policy covers all subject

areas. The policy has been designed to: ensure clear and timely communication between

homeroom and Special Area teachers; communicate with parents about any problems

their child may be having in any class; encourage parents to monitor the doing of

homework and use of the assignment book as a means of communication; enable students

and parents to see a uniform and serious approach to all homework, class work, and

behavior; create a comprehensive and ongoing record of behavioral or work habit issues;

ensure that there are no surprises in report card grades or comments.

Strategies should be developed to prevent disruptive behavior and poor work habits. It is

extremely important to establish rules and procedures to be maintained by the students

during structured and unstructured times all through the school day.

Teachers are encouraged to communicate directly with the parent about a child’s

behavior or homework issues. Likewise, teachers should communicate relevant student

information with one another either in person or via the e-mail.

The Dean of Students and the Administrators are available for support and consultation.

Repetitive, or out of the ordinary, situations should be reported immediately to the

Administration. Major issues should be reported to the Dean of School, Head of School

and/or the Associate Head of School who will decide what consequences are appropriate.


CORPORAL PUNISHMENT IS NEVER TO BE USED!

Cheating

If cheating occurs, it should be dealt with promptly by the teacher. The parents and the

Administration should be notified. Should a second incident occur, the Administration

should immediately be notified.

Supervision

STUDENTS ARE NEVER TO BE LEFT UNSUPERVISED!

If you must briefly leave the classroom, ask a neighboring teacher to supervise your class.

If this is not possible, call the office and someone will be sent to your room. Students are

not to remain inside the classroom while the teacher is out of the room. (If a child is hurt

or injured when left unsupervised, you can be held liable.)

In addition, students are not to remain outside the classroom unsupervised. Furthermore,

parents and/or high school interns should never be placed in the awkward position of

being asked or expected to supervise a class.


CLASSROOM PARTIES

There are four (4) APPROVED parties held in school for students in First – Fifth

Grades; Christmas, Valentine’s Day, All Saints’ Day, and End of the Year. Any other

“party/event” must be cleared with one of the administrators. Parents who serve as

“Homeroom Coordinators” are responsible for organizing these parties. Parties at each

grade level should be generally similar, so it is very helpful to have the coordinators plan

together. This eliminates the possibility for inequality between classes.

Preschool and kindergarten have some parties in addition to the ones listed above.


CLEANING SERVICES

Our school uses the services of a cleaning agency. The classrooms are swept and cleaned

each evening. The cleaners empty the trash bins and do only ‘surface’ cleaning. At

various times throughout the year, the floors and carpeting in your classroom will be

cleaned/shampooed or waxed.

If you have a problem with the cleanliness of your room, please submit a Maintenance

Request form, write down the date and the problem and give it to Maintenance Division

Head.


COLLECTION OF MONEY

For School-Related Purposes

Plans to collect money for any school-related reason should be cleared with one of the

Administrators before they are implemented. There are times during the year when a fund

raising project may necessitate the collection of money. DO NOT LEAVE MONEY IN

YOUR CLASSROOM OVERNIGHT. Generally, you will receive a large envelope from

the office which will be used to keep what you collect each day. This should be turned in

at the end of the day so it can be locked in the school safe. If you choose to participate in

any of the various ‘Book Clubs’ for students, please follow the same procedure.

For Non-School Related Purposes

Some teachers provide personal services to families of the School, including babysitting

and tutoring. In addition, there are times for personal reasons that parents may pay

teachers for personal matters. Please ensure that all such financial transactions occur

outside of the School. The School will not be responsible for any checks or cash

accepted from a parent that relates to a personal transaction between the parent and the

employee. In addition, the Head of School must be informed of all personal services

provided by employees to parents and/or their children in either the parents’ home or the

teacher’s home.


COMMENDATIONS

Each Friday morning as part of the Chapel service, the Rector reads commendations.

Staff can commend students for their work or attitude in keeping with the theme adopted

for the year.

A week-by-week schedule of grades receiving commendations will be made available.

Names of students receiving commendations should be placed in the folder kept in the

office. You should also give a brief reason why the student is being commended.

Please ensure commendations are lodged before Friday morning. Writing should be neat,

clear, and large print, to enable easy reading.

Parents of students receiving a commendation should be called prior to Friday so they

attend Chapel service, if they choose. A copy of the Commendation should be sent to the

parents.

It is hoped that a student will receive at least one commendation per year.


COMMUNICATION AND REPORT CARDS

ST. THOMAS EPISCOPAL PARISH SCHOOL COMMUNICATING AND

REPORTING

Our goal is to communicate important and accurate information to the children we teach,

to their parents, and to the middle schools they attend when they graduate from St.

Thomas.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Regular Parent /Teacher conferences will be scheduled each fall and spring for all St.

Thomas students. These meetings are very important opportunities for both teachers and

parents to communicate with each other about the progress a student is making. We

encourage both parents/guardians to attend whenever possible.

If at any time during the academic school year, you feel that you need to have a

conference with any child’s/children’s parent(s), please call or email them and ask for an

appointment.

Interim Reports

Brief interim reports will be issued two to three times a year for each student. The first

interim report will be given to the parents at the fall conference. The purpose of this

report, halfway through a marking period, is to communicate special information the

teacher feels the parent needs to know about a child’s progress between marking periods.

Additional interims are issued at the discretion of the teacher on an as-needed basis in

order to communicate in writing with the parents. Parents should never ‘discover’ a

serious problem by way of the report card. Keep the parents advised when a problem

surfaces and then reflect the problem(s) on the next interim report.

Report Cards

St. Thomas reports on a trimester system, with three report cards being issued

approximately every twelve weeks to all students from Kindergarten to Fifth grade. The

report card should provide information on students’ academic performance and progress,

their work habits, attitudes, and behavior. No matter what form of grading is used,

grades will come from a variety of sources. Some examples might be teacher

observation, checklists, projects, written assignments, quizzes, and tests, just to name a

few. Academic grades are reported separately from nonacademic factors on our St.

Thomas report card. Academic grades reflect the achievement of intended learning goals

and standards. Nonacademic feedback is based on efforts such as participation or the

quality of a student’s work, while behavior is assessed on factors such as following rules

and positive teamwork.


Students are evaluated in two different ways, using a performance key or using letter

grades, depending on the grade and the subject:

Performance Key Letter/Percentage Grade

4 = Exceeds Standards A = 90 to 100

3 = Meets Standards B = 80 to 89

2 = Making Progress C = 70 to 79

1 = Needs Improvement D = 60 to 69

X = Not Assessed at This Time E = 59 and Below

Short narratives for each subject area are added to give further enrichment to our

reporting. First through fourth grade classroom teachers write narratives for the 2nd

and

3rd

trimester report cards and fifth grade teachers write them for the 1st and 2

nd trimesters.

Everyone else writes a narrative for all three trimesters.

Preschool progress reports are sent out in January and at the end of the year. These

reports give the parents specific information concerning the academic, social, and

physical development of their child.

Please ensure that you keep in your grade book and student portfolios sufficient

evidence of work and assessments to substantiate marks and grades given.

Standardized Testing/5th

Midterms

Each spring the Stanford Achievement Test is administered to all students in grades one

through five. Teachers and parents can use the information from this test to individualize

learning for all students. Parents will receive a copy of their child’s test scores, reflecting

his or her performance on the test for that year. We consider these scores to be only one

of a number of ways to evaluate a student’s progress during any given year. In addition,

when considering the SAT scores over a period of years, we look for patterns in scores in

order to evaluate how a student performs on this standardized test instrument. St.

Thomas does not publish the individual nor group scores of our students.

Fifth grade students also take midterm exams. This process of using a study guide and

taking a comprehensive assessment is introduced to prepare the students for middle

school.

In the case of absences, other than illness excused with a note from a doctor,

midterms, finals, and SAT exams will not be made up.


CORRESPONDENCE

All official correspondence should be on School letterhead, and signed by the appropriate

member of staff with title or position of responsibility. A copy must go to the Associate

Head of School.

The highest standards of spelling and syntax should apply to all public documents

bearing the School’s letterhead.

Transcripts, evaluations, and official or unofficial correspondence and documents

regarding a student, past or present, must be organized and given to the Associate Head

of School for approval before distribution. These forms will be mailed from the office.

All correspondence should be copied.

Please ensure all events (special occasions, speakers etc.) are cleared with the Associate

Head of School before information is printed and sent to parents.

Above and near the School’s address on the envelope, staff should initial or write their

name. In case of return, the envelope can be given back to the teacher.


CRISIS MANAGEMENT

MISSION

To minimize the negative impact of trauma on individuals, the School, and the

community.

EXECUTION

The following basic steps should serve as a guide to meeting our mission in this area:

- The establishment of a staff team capable of dealing with the crisis and

maintaining the daily operation of the School, coordinated by the Head of

School. This team will include the Rector, Chair of the Board of Trustees,

Administrative team (Associate Head of School, Director of Academics,

Preschool Division Head), and any other members of the faculty as deemed

appropriate;

- Crisis management team clarifies facts, determines appropriate action to be

taken;

- Inform faculty and staff of the situation, steps to be taken, and the proposed

timeline;

- Enact management plan and ordinary practices take over.

The Head of School or his/her designate is the only person to make any public statement

regarding the incident, and prepare and release information to faculty, staff, and parents.

In addition, the Head of School will prepare a critical incident report for the Board of

Trustees.

In the event that the Administration should be off campus, the above protocol should be

followed with the Crisis Management team being formed under the Senior Administrator

pro tem.


CUMULATIVE FOLDERS

A cumulative folder for each child is filed, in a fireproof filing cabinet, in the school

conference room in a locked storage closet. The Director of Admission has the key.

These folders MUST contain:

SAT card that has each year’s SAT (Stanford Achievement Test) scores

SAT full page test reports

report cards and interims

conference reports

Admission testing, and transfer records

Health forms (most recent)

Birth certificate;

Application for enrollment and re-enrollment

Summer reports (if student attended academic camps)

The contents of the cumulative folders are open to inspection by the student’s parents. An

appointment to do so should be made with the Director of Admission.

The teachers may come in any time and look at the cumulative file of a student. If a

teacher wants to see the file immediately just call the office of the Director of Admission

and you will be given the keys to the conference room and storage closet. The records

are never to be taken home or to the classroom. It is suggested that the teacher call

the Director of Admission so the file can be ready for the teacher.

EVERY CHILD MUST HAVE A HEALTH FORM AND IMMUNIZATION RECORD

ON FILE. NO CHILD CAN BE ADMITTED TO ST. THOMAS WITHOUT THESE.

The school nurse is responsible for checking on the health forms.

ALL STUDENTS WHO ARE NEW TO ST. THOMAS must have the original health

form and immunization record or they cannot be admitted to school. This is not a St.

Thomas policy, but is mandated by the state of Florida. After kindergarten, health forms

are updated every other year. If you have any questions about this please contact the

school nurse.

At the end of the each school year, the final report card, Stanford Achievement Test

sheet, and interims are filed in the cumulative record file of each student. The SAT strip

is also pasted on the SAT card.

Accuracy is very important as copies of these records are sent on with t he student when

he/she transfers or graduates. The cumulative folder is a legal document.


CURRICULUM

It is our responsibility to provide instruction in basic skills as well as a multitude of

enriching experiences to all students. Each individual student and his/her needs must be

considered. We are always interested in improving the curriculum. If you wish to add,

change or extend any parts of it, please discuss your ideas with the Director of

Academics.

Textbook choices and changes need to be discussed and evaluated in a timely fashion.

The Director of Academics will co-ordinate ‘examination copies’ of textbooks,

workbooks or other supplementary materials, and arrange for consultants to come and

demonstrate their use. Our goal is always to find the BEST way to reach every child and

we often find that this takes a variety of approaches as well as materials.


END OF DAY

The last few minutes of each day should be used to discuss the day’s activities. When

questioned, students usually remember what they did last.

Please be conscientious about dismissing students on time. Children cannot be dismissed

early because they will be unsupervised, and if they are late, the car pool driver has to

circle the parking lot and tie up traffic.

After dismissal, check your room for general neatness. On Fridays, be sure that

everything is put away if your room is used for Sunday school classes. Have the students

place their chairs on top of the desks so the rooms can be easily cleaned.

Teachers will take turns supervising the pick up of students in the parking lot (see Traffic

Duty). No children are ever to be left unsupervised. Children not picked up by 3:25p.m.

should be taken by the teacher on traffic duty up to Study Hall.


EXCUSE FROM CLASS

Exercise discretion when sending children out of the room to use the restrooms. If you do

not have a bathroom in your class, send students in pairs. Teachers of grades 2-5 should

provide a sign out book. Try to take your entire class to the restrooms in the morning, in

the afternoon and before physical education.

Two (2) other students should accompany a sick child being sent to the Health Room

Consultant.


HOMEROOM COORDINATORS

In order for all parents, new and current, to have an equal opportunity to serve as a

homeroom coordinator, a form should be completed and returned to the Director of

Parent Relations or the child’s teacher during the first week of school. These forms are

available in the front office, from the Director of Parent Relations or the classroom

teacher.

During the first few weeks of school, the Director of Parent Relations and the classroom

teacher will designate two parents to serve as homeroom coordinators for the coming

school year. Classroom teachers should coordinate across the grade level. The homeroom

parents coordinate the class activities with the other classes of the same grade level. They

also act as liaisons to help with communication. This is an important link between home

and school.

The homeroom coordinators plan holiday parties, schedule class parent participation in

school-wide events, and generally help the class on all special occasions.

Parental participation is a vital and integral part of what makes St. Thomas so special. St.

Thomas parents are involved in many school activities, a number of which are major

fund-raising events. With the faculty and parents working together, a sense of community

is fostered.


HOMEWORK

Homework Philosophy

At St. Thomas, we believe that there are a number of reasons for giving homework.

Homework is an opportunity to reinforce and practice the skills and to review the

information learned in class. Fluency is often achieved by practicing newly-learned skills

as homework. Regular nightly homework, along with long-term projects, helps children

to develop good work and study habits. Occasionally, homework can be a way of

preparing for something that will be needed in class, such as reading information or

obtaining materials. Getting a quiz or test signed by a parent can also be a homework

assignment. However, students should NEVER be asked to do new work that they have

not yet learned in school.

Effective homework is relevant to the lessons that were taught in class, of a reasonable

length, with clear directions that the student can understand and follow. Giving feedback

to students is an essential part of homework. Homework assignments need to be

reviewed in some way by the teacher, with a partner, or checked from the board.

Students need to know how well they have done on their homework and be given a

chance to correct their mistakes or to revise their work so they learn from the experience.

The corrected work should be rechecked to maximize the educational value of doing

homework for the student. Reteaching needs to occur if it becomes obvious that a student

does not understand the concept or skill done for homework. While much homework is

really a form of formative assessment, and therefore does not need to be graded, it

should always be checked. Not checking students’ homework regularly conveys the

idea that the teacher was just giving the student busywork to do. This is exactly the

opposite of the values of practice, reinforcement, and responsibility that you want to

convey to your students and detracts from the learning experience.

Goals and expectations need to be established by the teacher for the quality of completed

homework. Standards need to be set for what acceptable presentations should look like,

the degree of accuracy that indicates successful effort, the organization of the work, and,

of course, the timeliness with which the work is handed in.

Homework can be differentiated for a student’s learning style. One example might be to

allow a student who has weak handwriting skills to type his/her homework. The amount

of work on a page might be less for a student with a processing issue that results in their

spending too much time doing the regular amount of work. Students reading below grade

level might need easier text material in order to read and extract information successfully.

These ways of differentiating homework are in keeping with the school philosophy of

differentiating instruction for students with different learning styles.

Homework varies, depending on the grade level. However, at St. Thomas we believe that

students need to learn to be responsible for their assignments from the early grades. We

ask parents to provide a suitable environment/time to do homework and to monitor


whether or not the child completes his/her homework in keeping with the teacher’s

expectations for appearance, organization, and timeliness. Some examples of suitable

help from parents would be clarifying directions, monitoring “on task” behavior, and

gathering/purchasing resources/materials. Parents, if asked, might also help with

planning the homework schedule. Reading with a child, especially in the lower grades, is

a very good thing for a parent to do.

Teachers should encourage parents NOT to correct errors, as you, the teacher, need to see

them. In addition, parents should NOT teach concepts, as the methodology of the

classroom may differ from what the parent learned. Parents should NEVER, of course,

do homework for a child. When parents do homework for a child, the teacher loses a

very valuable tool for determining how well a student is learning concepts or skills. The

child misses the opportunity to develop the skills and habits that lead to positive self-

esteem, organization, and independence.

Communication between school and home is our goal.

Provide parents with weekly feedback and then ask them to sign as a means of

acknowledging having gotten the feedback. Homework is an important way for parents

to monitor the progress of their child’s learning. Children’s progress with mastering

responsibility for completing homework will be assessed on the report card each marking

period. In grades 3 – 5, homework should figure into the final grade a student receives in

an academic subject area. Homework completion, but not accuracy, should figure into

the overall grade. Students who are in danger of having their grade lowered because of

incomplete or late homework assignments should be made aware of this issue

immediately. Communication with the parents of the student should be initiated as soon

as the homework problem occurs, in the form of a homework notice in most cases. Incomplete or late homework assignments should be made up in school or at home at the

earliest possible time. Since completed homework is an expectation, the reward for

doing it should be an intrinsic sense of accomplishment, with no external reward

necessary.

If a student experiences difficulty while doing the work, we ask the parents to ask their

child to explain how they learned the skill in class. If that does not help, then the parent

should stop the child and send a note to the classroom or specific area teacher explaining

the problem. If the work takes well over the allotted time for the grade level, they are

asked to do the same thing, and, together, you need to determine what the issue is that

caused the work to take so long. Communication with the parent is encouraged as you

work as a team to help the child resolve homework issues.

Homework Assignments

Assignments are given Monday through Thursday nights in grades K to 4. Assignments

will be written in assignment books beginning in grade 2. Students in grade 5 can also

find their assignments posted on www.stepsmia.org/hw/. Long-range projects need to be


planned so that they are done over a period of time and completed in a timely fashion.

Children are encouraged to become actively engaged with their assignment books by

numbering the assignments in the order in which they plan to do them and then checking

them off as they complete each one. Children who have trouble completing their work in

a timely fashion can also write the estimated time they think it will take to complete each

assignment, and, then, when done, can check to see how close they came to estimating

correctly. This is an excellent way of helping students to develop the ability to pace

themselves more accurately.

The following is a general range of homework time per grade level:

Classroom homework:

K – 10 min.

1st – 15 min.

2nd

– 30 min.

3rd

– 45 min.

4th

– 60 min.

5th

– 75 min.

Spanish homework: (included in total amount of classroom homework)

K/1st – no homework

2nd

to 4th

-- 10 min.

5th

-- 10 min.

Spanish homework will be assigned in conjunction with Spanish class time.

Special area teachers:

Homework from special area teachers, given occasionally, will be assigned in

conjunction with their class time.

Homework/Absences

Teachers do their best to supply homework assignments for absent children. However, it

is impossible to project homework too far into the future, as it is often based on what was

taught in class that day. Therefore, the best way for your students to be sure to come

back to school with completed homework is for them to check with other members of the

class to confirm daily assignments.

Children who know in advance that they are going to be absent should have a method of

accessing the homework assignments while they are away, and their books/tablets need to

be available to complete the homework. All missed homework is due when the student

returns to school. In addition, the student should be prepared to make up any missed

quizzes or tests upon their return.


LESSON PLANS

Teachers are required to develop daily lesson plans for all subjects taught. Plan books are

provided for your use by the school. If you favor a different format, please let the

Director of Academics know.

A copy of your upcoming week’s lesson plans should be given to the Director of

Academics no later than that Monday.

Substitute Folder – This should be on file in the office. It should include your schedule,

class list(s), and sheets outlining safety, dismissal, fire, telephone operation, lunch,

traffic, and study hall duties, in addition to any signals and cue words you use.

Emergency lesson plans should also be included.

Planned absence: Leave work and lesson plans on your desk in the classroom, or with the

coordinator of substitutes.

Unplanned absence: Telephone the Coordinator of Substitutes (See Absences). In

addition, work may be faxed to the attention of the coordinator at (305) 669 9669, or e-

mail to the coordinator. Faxing or e-mailing should be done before 8:00a.m.


LIBRARY AND MEDIA CENTER

All school classes have a scheduled library period each week. Additional time may be

reserved for research and special projects. Please ensure that a librarian is on duty in the

Library prior to sending children. If you are sending children (in pairs) to work on a

major research assignment, please ensure that you inform the Librarian prior to their visit

of the subject(s) so materials can be made readily available.

To book the Library or Project Room contact the Librarian.

It is helpful and encouraged to have classroom libraries, which include ‘reading for

pleasure’ as a central activity when it is appropriate. Ideas or suggestions for enhancing

the School’s collection should be addressed to the Librarian.

Professional Library – Journals, professional magazines, educational textbooks, and other

related materials are kept in a special section of the Library. The Librarian will help you

locate and check out materials. If you have suggestions for additions to this collection,

please let them know.

For information regarding the ‘Accelerated Reader’ program, please see the Librarian.

Meet regularly with the Librarian to discuss your curriculum so she can provide materials

to support what you are doing.


MARKING AND GRADING

Our concern at St. Thomas is for the whole child. Our program reflects a student-centered

philosophy, and our focus is on his or her intellectual, social, physical, and spiritual

development.

Marking and Grading

Marking and grading should be considered on three levels:

Pre-assessment (diagnostic)

Takes place prior to instruction and is designed to determine what a student already

knows, can do, or thinks. The feedback from it informs teacher planning/instruction.

Formative Assessment

Designed to determine how well student(s) are learning and how effective the instruction

is. It can be done in class or as homework (some examples are: observation, quizzes,

homework, initial drafts, center work, skill practice, etc.) and should be checked and

recorded but not graded while students are learning. Formative assessment should inform

the direction of /or adjustments to individual or group instruction and should serve to

further motivate the learner. Student work can receive stickers, smiley faces, checks, and

teacher comment as feedback. Whether or not students are consistent about doing their

homework can be factored into their final grade for the trimester in grades 3 to 5.

Summative Assessment

This assessment/evaluation is to be used to provide information about student

achievement at the end of a unit of work. It is designed to provide the

teacher/student/parent with a variety of grades for reporting. Such assessment can be

done in many forms (final drafts, tests, exams, assignments, projects, performances, etc.)

Summative assessment requires the use of quality assessments and accurate record

keeping. All grades do not need to be included or weighted the same. More recent

achievement can be given greater consideration. For tests, rubrics/study guides should be

provided to and used by the students to eliminate the “Gotcha” factor of testing.

Grading Philosophy

At St. Thomas, we grade to the Median, rather than using the average or mean. This

provides more opportunities for success and diminishes the impact of a few stumbles. It

helps reward hard work.

Consider grades carefully for reporting:

Do NOT use zeros indiscriminately;


Do NOT give extra credit or bonus marks (the goal is to foster a love of learning

and to increase intrinsic motivation);

Do NOT penalize for absences;

Do NOT apply assessment penalties (use alternative consequences) to academic

dishonesty;

Do NOT let a ‘bell curve’ affect grades;

Do NOT include group scores in individual’s grades (group work can be checked

for established criteria without being given a group grade);

Do NOT allow interference during summative assessment;

Do NOT let time limits affect whether or not a student was able to demonstrate

mastery during summative assessments.

NOTICES

Because it is important that parents receive all notices and information concerning their

child and school activities, we have established FRIDAY NOTICE as Notice Day. The

deadline for submitting information for the Weekly Notice is Tuesday at Noon. Also be

aware that the administration has final approval on all of the articles in the Friday

Notices. In efforts to “go green”, St. Thomas has gone paperless and all notices are

emailed to our families as well as on our school website, www.stepsmia.org. Hard copies

of the monthly calendars are available in the office.

http://www.stepsmia.org/


PLANNING PERIODS

Every effort is made to provide each teacher with a planning period during the day. One

or more of these planning periods will coincide with that of the other teachers in your

grade level. You will also have a weekly Grade level meeting with the Director of

Academics. The following are suggested for consideration and accomplishment during

planning periods:

a. Preparing instructional materials;

b. Working on plan books;

c. Grading papers;

d. Preparing tests;

e. Record keeping;

f. Conferring with colleagues, director of academics, grade level team, or

Administrators;

g. Conferring with parents;

h. Reading professional materials.


PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND TRAVEL GUIDELINES

Travel guidelines for Staff Members of the School:

The school dedicates a generous budget to the ongoing professional development of staff.

Should you wish to attend a seminar, workshop, or conference, you should complete the

appropriate form (Appendix 2) supplying relevant information and submit it to the

Administration. An estimate of expenses must be completed before approval can be

given.

You must ensure that supervision plans and teaching materials are organized for the

substitute teacher(s).

After approval, give specific instructions to the Front Office about your travel

accommodations (methods of transportation, hotel accommodation, car rental, time and

date of your departure and return).

Transportation:

- Expectation is to use a personal car where possible. For group trips, a rental

car can be used, typically geared to a low priced rental agency such as

Enterprise, where the School has a corporate rate. Offered auto insurance

should be purchased;

- Mileage reimbursement when using own auto at the standard rate allowed by

the IRS rules. See the Business Office for details.

- Coach fare for airplanes.

Accommodation:

- Hotel – reasonable mid-price range hotel (this will vary depending upon

where the person is going), entertainment expenditures such as wine, gifts, in

room movies, and private telephone calls, etc. will not be reimbursed;

- It is expected that two or more persons (same sex) will share a room;

- Personal credit card can be used to hold the hotel reservation.

Meals:

- The cost of meals will be reimbursed based on the government per diem

tables. Should you not wish to take advantage of meals included in the

conference/seminar cost, the School will not reimburse you for your ‘extra’

meals. No receipts for meals need to be provided. Please see the Business


Manager before leaving for your conference/seminar to find out your per diem

rate.

Miscellaneous expenses/tips:

- Not to exceed $5.00 per day for expenses such as valet parking, luggage

handling, etc.

Please Note:

- Keep receipts (for cash spent, personal or corporate check/credit card used)

for all conference/workshop-incurred expenditures such as tips, hotel

accommodation, and transportation. Without receipts, there can be no

reimbursement.

- Submit receipts with a Travel Expense Form (Appendix 2) to the Business

Office upon your arrival back at School. Reimbursements are made in five -

ten business days.

On your return to School, you will be asked to give a brief presentation regarding your

workshop/seminar at a faculty meeting. In addition, you will need to write up a one-page

summary of your experiences and give it to the Director of Academics. A folder with all

the summaries will be kept in the Teachers’ Lounge, where all employees may access it.


PROGESS NOTICES

Notices of unsatisfactory progress of students are available in the office. The parents of

students who are not completing assignments, not studying for tests and therefore doing

poorly, and failing to complete homework assignments, should be sent an unsatisfactory

progress notice. These notices can also be sent home for poor behavior.

A notice should not be the first time a parent is informed of a concern. Please contact the

parents before the notice is sent home. One or both parents should sign these notices.

Teachers must follow up on any unreturned notice with a telephone call.

Unsatisfactory notices are not intended to be sent home for an isolated incident, or

unacceptable performance on one assignment. These are meant to reflect unsatisfactory

progress over a period of time, generally a significant portion of any Marking Period.

In the event that a student shows great improvement and progress in a particular

academic area or behavior, you are encouraged to send home an appropriate notice

recognizing improvement.

Special Area teachers are a valuable resource in assisting the classroom teachers to assess

student progress. For that purpose there is a Special Area Student Information form

(Appendix 2) that should be given to the Special Area teacher for their observations of a

student. These comments can help verify and support concerns you may have about a

student.


RESOURCES

Please note that school materials and equipment should not be used for non school work.

This includes tutoring for reimbursement.

Laminating – The Librarian is available to help with laminating. As laminating is

expensive, please be discerning about the items you wish to be preserved. Also, please

plan ahead to allow them ample time to assist you.

Photocopy machines – There is one photocopier and one risograph located in the office

work area. If you know in advance that you need photocopies, the front office will help

you complete the job. Students should NOT operate any school machines. Again,

timeliness is important.

Audio Visual Equipment - You must book use of a V.C.R. via the sign-up sheet in the

teachers’ lounge. Projectors, DVD player and cameras are booked via the server. The

A.V. equipment is in great demand, so be sure to have your requests ready as far ahead as

possible. If you have any questions, check with the Director of Technology. Permission

from an Administrator is needed in order to take any A.V. equipment home. Do not give

permission to others to use any school equipment.

Supplies – General stationary supplies are available through the office.

Ordering materials – If you wish to order materials, you must complete a school order

form (Appendix 1), and have the purchase approved by an Administrator BEFORE

arranging the order. If approved, office staff will place the order as soon as possible.

Your order MUST state the correct current catalog, page number, edition, ISBN number,

and price as well as description.

If the request is for something you wish to pick up or purchase immediately, you must

receive approval first from the administration. STAFF MEMBERS WILL NOT BE

REIMBURSED FOR UNAUTHORIZED EXPENDITURES.

St. Thomas enjoys a tax-free status. When purchasing items, please show the store the tax

I.D. certificate. Tax will not be reimbursed for items purchased.


RETENTION

Before a decision is made to retain a child, a great deal of information is needed. In the

majority of cases, it is a matter of allowing the child to have the ‘gift’ of an additional

year to develop and mature. Your training, experience, and classroom observations are

important factors in arriving at this decision. Very often it is helpful to have the

additional benefit of a written educational evaluation by a qualified professional in that

field. Retention is not the answer in every case, and other solutions are investigated.

At St. Thomas we feel that every child in our school should be academically successful.

When a child needs more time at a particular grade level, then it is our responsibility to

discuss this option with the parents.

Preschool and kindergarten are frequently the grades where this option is most effective.

After kindergarten, other options must be weighed.

Before speaking to the parents about your concerns, you must make an appointment to

discuss this with the Division Head, Head of School, Associate Head, Director of

Academics, and the student support team. In arriving at a final decision, it is vital to have

the support of the parents.


SCHOOL HOURS

The campus alarm is turned off at 7:00a.m. and reset at 10:00p.m. 7 days a week. The

front office is open from 7:30a.m.-4:30p.m. Aftercare is open until 6:00p.m. Between

7:30a.m. and 8:00a.m. Early Care is available in the Library.

On week-ends and holidays, please check with the front office or administration for exact

time of opening and closing.

For your safety, never be alone on campus. If you are working in your room on the

week-end or evening, keep your door locked.

Teaching hours vary depending on the designated duties of the teachers.

Classroom teachers should be in their rooms no later than 8:00a.m.- 4:00p.m.

Fifth grade teachers at 7:45a.m.

All students are tardy after 8:10a.m.

Some specially assigned teachers are required to be on campus from 7:30a.m.-

3:30p.m. or from 8:30a.m.-4:30p.m. Please see the administration if you have any

questions.

On Fridays: Classroom teachers and those teachers who do not have a specific

assignment may leave at 3:30 (or when the student pick-up has been completed).

At 8:10a.m. an ‘all call’ will be given for classes to move into place for the Pledge of

Allegiance, which will be said at 8:15a.m. Chapel is scheduled to commence at 8:20a.m.

Dismissal times – Jr. Preschool 12:00p.m.

Sr. Preschool 2:00 p.m.

Kindergarten 3:15 p.m.

First – Fifth Grades 3.15p.m.

Some faculty meetings may be designated to end at 5:00.


STAFF CHILDREN

Many of our employees have children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, who attend or

visit St. Thomas School. There are many times when it becomes difficult to wear two

hats: teacher and parent. However, your ability to remain objective is extremely

important.

Rules for students apply to all students. It will help your child’s self-esteem to feel that

he/she is treated with the same care and concern as everyone else.

If you feel that your child is having a problem at school, follow the same guidelines you

would expect any parent to follow – make an appointment with the teacher to discuss it.

If you wish to speak to one of the teachers about his/her child, make the same

arrangements you would with any other parent. Find a private time to have a conference

(NOT in the teachers' lounge, and NOT in a group with other staff members) and enlist

the parent’s assistance in solving the problem.

It may be that dialogue with the School can take place with the child’s non-teaching

parent as the first contact.

Staff children are not to be left unsupervised before or after school. If your child becomes

sick during the day, then you need to be home with that child or make arrangements to

have him/her taken home. The office will obtain a substitute.

The faculty lounge is a place where teachers and staff can go to relax, eat lunch, and

meet. It is reserved for you and the church staff. Children are not allowed in the faculty

lounge as they might overhear conversations that would be inappropriate for their ears.

Children in the faculty lounge also restrict the flow of adult communication. Likewise,

areas of the offices and hallways are not the best places for a child. Early morning care is

available at 7:30 a.m. in the Library and extended day care runs through 6:00 p.m. or

until the last non – employee child has been picked up. There is no charge for this

service for school employee’s children. These are the safest, most appropriate places for

children and family members. Should you be involved in a meeting or are detained,

please make arrangements to gather your children no later than 6:00 p.m.

We will try to restrict the flow of parents who come in to the lounge. The vending

machine is for the school/church and staff use only.

If you are going to have young family members or friends visit campus, please seek

permission from the Administration.

These expectations are for your comfort.


STANDARDIZED TESTS

Each spring, the Stanford Achievement Test is administered to all students in grades one

through five. The SAT 10, an untimed version, is used for ALL students. In addition,

there is a two-week period prior the administration of the test for the practice of test-

taking skills using Scoring High from SRA.

All of the necessary materials and schedules are given to the teachers well in advance of

the actual administration of the test in order to allow them to become familiar with the

materials they will be using. Teachers are encouraged to make notes in the Teacher’s

Edition in order to help facilitate the administration of the test.

Teachers are responsible for following the schedule for the practice and the

administration of the tests, for administering make-up tests, and for using all of the

material in the designated fashion and time-frame. All rules and procedures for

administration prescribed by Pearson Assessment and by St. Thomas must also be

adhered to.

In the case of student absences during SAT week, other than illness excused with a note

from a doctor, SAT exams will NOT be made up. If you or a parent have a question

regarding the making up of a test(s), please discuss it with the Director of Academics.

A copy of the SAT results is mailed home after the testing, and a copy is placed in the

student’s cumulative file.

Special Area teachers are assigned to a specific classroom to help proctor the tests. They

need to observe all of the rules and procedures for proctoring.

SAT results are confidential information and should be discussed ONLY with the child’s

parents or the school administrators. Teachers should use the information from these test

results to better understand the academic strengths and weaknesses of their students in

order to differentiate the teaching/learning in the classroom or in the Learning Resource

Center.


SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS

Children must be supervised by the classroom teacher or special area teacher at all times

during the day. If an emergency occurs, have another teacher assume this responsibility

or contact the office immediately. Children are NEVER to be unsupervised whether in

the classroom, on the field, or anywhere else on the grounds.

Students are not to remain outside the classroom unsupervised. Parents and/or high

school interns should not be placed in the awkward position of being asked or expected to

supervise a class. Students are not to remain inside the classroom while the teacher is out

of the room. (If a child is hurt or injured when left unsupervised, you can be held liable.)

Special Area Classes – the teacher in that area takes care of issues between children and

all injuries. If a problem arises in transit to the next class, send the students back to the

prior teacher.


TEACHER ASSOCIATES

Each class in Junior Preschool, Senior Preschool, Kindergarten and First grade has a

Teacher Associate. The Second, Third and Fourth grades share one Teacher Associate.

In addition, a designated Special Area Teacher will be assigned to a Second Fifth grade

teacher several times a week with varying hours to assist with teaching.

It is the responsibility of the Lead classroom teacher to provide direction for the Teacher

Associate and assisting Special Area teachers. All staff members are chosen for their

ability to work with children. They can work with small groups of students inside and

outside, assist with paperwork, and assist with instruction and individual help.


TEACHERS’ LOUNGE

This area is for the teachers to relax, grade papers, or eat lunch. Often, the lounge is the

place where teachers can confer over a pupil’s progress. For this reason, parents should

not enter the room to discuss issues with you. Should you need to speak to a parent,

please do so outside the lounge.

Likewise, the lounge is not a place for children. Please do not bring students into the

lounge without special arrangements being made. Members of staff whose children attend

the School are asked not to bring their children into the lounge.

Please keep the kitchen area and table clean. If you use the china, please wash it up.

The vending machine is for faculty and staff use only. Please discourage parents from

using the lounge and do not give students permission to use it during or after school

activities.

Food on the table is for everyone’s enjoyment. Please do not eat the food in the

refrigerator unless it is rightfully yours.


TEACHING HOURS

Teaching hours vary depending on the designated duties of the teachers.

Classroom teachers should be in their rooms no later than 8:00a.m.- 4:00p.m.

Fifth grade teachers at 7:45a.m.

All students are tardy after 8:10a.m.

Some specially assigned teachers are required to be on campus from 7:30a.m.-

3:30p.m. or from 8:30a.m.-4:30p.m. Please see the administration if you have any

questions.

On Fridays: Classroom teachers and those teachers who do not have a specific

assignment may leave at 3:30 (or when the student pick-up has been completed).

Some faculty meetings may be designated to end at 5:00.

At 8:10a.m. an ‘all call’ will be given for classes to move into place for the Pledge of

Allegiance, which will be said at 8:15a.m. Chapel is scheduled to commence at 8:20a.m.

Dismissal times –

Jr. Preschool 12:00p.m.

Sr. Preschool 2:00 p.m.

Kindergarten 3:15p.m.

First – Fifth Grades 3.15p.m.

The length of lessons varies between grades and subjects. Lessons should commence at

the time prescribed. The teacher must ensure that time is allowed at the end of each

lesson for movement to or from classrooms or other areas in the School to take place.

This is a professional courtesy to fellow faculty members as the lateness of students

disrupts their planned lessons.


TRAFFIC DUTY

Morning drop-off is supervised by the Physical Education and other assigned teachers

and are assisted by the safety patrol and walkers. Special area teachers should assist

unless allocated to other duties. The ORANGE VEST MUST BE WORN WHEN ON

DROP-OFF OR PICK-UP DUTY.

Pick up procedures:

One teacher from each grade level is responsible for traffic duty at the

station where the child is placed in the car (loading zone). Your

responsibility begins at 3:10 at the loading zone. You must wear the

School supplied orange vests.

One classroom teacher from each grade level walks students to

enrichment/sports area and remains until they are picked up.

One teacher from each grade level monitors the student as the await

pick-up.

One teacher from each grade level is responsible for escorting the

students to study hall.

The traffic committee will design the map of the area in which the

students are to be seated quietly while waiting for their names to be

called.

St. Thomas teachers are expected to assist the traffic duty coordinators (usually the

Physical Education staff) at dismissal time. If you are unable to be on duty, it is your

responsibility to arrange a replacement. Do NOT assume that the P.E. staff can do

without you for the afternoon.

When walking children to vehicles please ensure they are always placed in the back seat.

Seat belts should always be worn. Younger children should be placed in a special car

seat.

At noon dismissal and severe weather ALL teachers must be on duty.


TUTORING

There are times when you may feel one of your pupils would benefit from tutoring, and

there may be times that a parent approaches you seeking advice on this matter.

Between 3:30 – 4:00 p.m. is the time designated for teachers to work with students in

their class who need support.

Tutoring arrangements must be discussed and approved by the Head or Associate Head

of School, the Director of Academics, and/or the Special Resource Teacher (Student

Support Team). Teachers should not tutor students they presently teach. Liaison between

the tutor and the classroom teacher is extremely important. No private tutoring may take

place on campus during the summer, weekends, holidays or vacation days. Please make

arrangements to meet your students off campus.

Tutoring for extra compensation must not begin until after 4:00p.m. St. Thomas students

should be given preferential access over others in both assignment and scheduling.

Arrangements with parents must also be made regarding transportation.

Students who are tested by educational consultants and found to have learning disabilities

may need a very specific kind of tutoring. If a parent asks you for a recommendation for

this kind of tutor, please discuss the matter with an Administrator before providing a

name or list of names.


VOLUNTEERS

At St. Thomas, we are fortunate to have many parents willing to do volunteer work. If a

parent volunteer is working in your classroom, you are responsible for direct instruction.

Before entering your classroom, volunteer parents should check in at the Front Office.

They will receive a stick on badge, which should be worn while they are working with

you. Should an accident occur involving the volunteer, you should report it to the office

immediately.

Any parent who supervises children on an unsupervised basis or who accompany

the class on overnight field trips, MUST complete the criminal

background/fingerprint and drug testing process.


WORK FOLDER

Every student in your class should have a work folder or portfolio. Be sure to regularly

add samples of work in all subject areas. The folders should be retained throughout the

year in order to provide the opportunity for teachers and parents to evaluate the child’s

overall progress.


Part Three: Faculty Interaction with Students

ACCIDENT AND INJURIES

If a child is injured, the first priority is to attend to the child’s needs. If the skin is broken,

the student should be sent to the Health Care Room. You will be issued with a supply of

band-aids, and rubber gloves that MUST be worn when administering to a student if

blood or bodily fluids are present. If you are in any doubt about an injury, send the child

to the Health Room. Two (2) other students should accompany the injured student. You

should also complete the Health Room Pass (Appendix 2) and send it with the

accompanying children.

In the case of serious injury notify the schools nurse. Do not attempt to move the child if

movement could intensify or complicate the injury.

ALL ACCIDENTS (student, employee, volunteer, parent or visitor) must be reported to

the office IMMEDIATELY. An accident report form must be filed by the supervising

staff member, or by the adult involved. The School office has copies of this form.

(Appendix 2)

The Health Room Consultant on duty and/or a member of the Administration will

telephone a parent and let him/her know of the injury. Any accident occurring from the

neck up MUST be reported to a parent.

(See also Workers’ Compensation)


ARTICULATION

When attempting to make decisions about children, it is important to gather as much

information as possible. The Student Support Team, Special Area teachers, teachers of

different grade levels and former teachers of these students can contribute valuable

insight and knowledge. We encourage you to include all resources as you work with each

child.

There is a form available for Special Area teachers to complete regarding their

observations and experiences with students. (Appendix 2)


APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM

Appropriate rules for going to the restrooms, drinking fountains, and changing classes

should be established.

Every child is your student at St. Thomas. Do not hesitate to speak to a child who is not

in your class about his/her behavior.


BIRTHDAYS

Children are called to the altar during the morning Chapel service. There, they receive a

special Birthday Blessing from a priest. Students also have the option of presenting a gift

to our Library/Media Center on their birthday. The Librarian keeps a selection of books

for this purpose. The parent and child can visit the library and make their selection.

Teachers also receive Birthday Blessings in Chapel. However, if you feel strongly that

you do not want your birthday announced, let the office know.

Parents are permitted to send special treats to be shared by the class at a suitable time.

Encourage healthy snacks.

Student birthday parties – Parent sponsored

St. Thomas prides itself on the inclusion of all students at all times. It is therefore

imperative that the following protocol be observed to insure there are no hurt feelings.

a. All the students in the classroom are invited

or

b. All the students in the grade are invited

or

c. All the girls or all the boys are invited.

Invitations may be distributed at School only if the above guidelines are followed.

Exceptions to this inclusion policy would be if a child is having only one or two

classmates to a party.


EARLY ARRIVAL OF STUDENTS

Students should not arrive at school before 7:30a.m. Those arriving between 7:30a.m. and

8:00a.m. should go to Early Care, which is held in the Library.

Children rostered as Acolytes, Safety Patrol or Walkers, should arrive at the pre-arranged

times in order to prepare for their duties. They are under the supervision of the teacher in

charge.

All other children on the premises between 7:30a.m. and 8:00a.m. must be directed to the

Library.


EARLY PICK-UP OF STUDENTS

No student is to be dismissed before the scheduled dismissal time by the teacher unless

prior arrangements have been made. Parents need to send a note to the classroom teacher

or call the office if a child is to be dismissed early. If the parent’s note is sent to the

classroom teacher, a copy of the request must be sent to the office to alert them of the

parent’s wish.

When the parent arrives to pick up the child, he/she must go to the office and sign a

check-out book with the date and time, and be issued a pick-up slip. Faculty should keep

the pick-up slip as a record - Special Area teachers should ensure that the pick-up slip is

given to the relevant Homeroom teacher at the end of the day.

Children are never to be sent to the front of the school to wait for a parent.


EXTENDED DAY

Extended Day activities are published separately. Students can enroll in activities each

term. The Director of Afterschool enrichment activities organizes the Extended Day

timetable.

Students in Junior, Senior Preschool and Kindergarten should be collected from their

classrooms by the activity teachers. First through fifth grade should be collected from the

outdoor lunch area.

When parents collect their children, they must give you a dismissal slip. This is obtained

from the front office sign out desk. Parents should also be asked to sign your attendance

sheet for that day’s activity. The time should also be noted.

Students in Second – Fifth Grades who are not collected after the activity, will be taken

to After Care.


AFTER SCHOOL CARE

If children are not picked up within ten (10) minutes of the dismissal time, they are to be

taken (not sent) to After School Care or Study Hall. Until the time the child is ‘checked-

in’ to the After School Care/Study Hall personnel, the teacher on traffic duty is

responsible.

Many times, parents will change their plans during the day. Be sure to check your

mailbox and voice mail throughout the day to see if there are any messages regarding

childcare. Please inform the Office of any changes.

Preschool classrooms and several other areas are used for After School Care when the

regular school day is over. At that time, After School Care has the priority use of the

rooms. School programs have priority over other activities such as scouts, social

gatherings, and tutoring etc.

Your classroom may be required for after school enrichment/sports activities. Please be

patient and cooperative.


STUDY HALL

Second thru Fifth grade will meet in the library. Teachers need to be at study hall at 3:10pm. At 4:10 p.m. the students are escorted to aftercare and signed in. The escorting teacher should remain with the students until they are all signed in or are picked up by the enrichment/sports person.


FIELD TRIPS

It is expected that Field trips be organized at least one month ahead of time. Field trips

should be planned to enhance classroom instruction. Constructive field trips must be

authorized by either the Head or Associate Head, and Director of Academics (Appendix

1). Usually two are planned per grade per year. The classroom teacher, or Special Area

teacher is responsible for clearing the date, and then making arrangements with the

appropriate parties, obtaining chaperones, and collecting a signed permission slip from

each child (Appendix 1). These permission slips are sent home with the Thursday

notices, so classroom teachers must tell the office as soon as a date has been set. The

school secretary will arrange for bus transportation when you notify her of the date.

There MUST be one chaperone responsible for every 10 children.

It is the expectation of the School that these trips are part of the academic program, and

therefore all respective children must attend. If a parent does not want to give permission

for attending a field trip, Administration must be notified. Any child not going on the

field trip should be kept home from school that day.

Teachers must also inform any Special Area teacher, and the Lunch Coordinator, if

his/her schedule will be affected by the field trip. Lesson plans should reflect preparation

of students for the field trip. Children should be reminded of proper behavior and bus

rules prior to the trip.

The school pays for general admission fees on approved field trips for students, teachers

and chaperones.

Expectations of chaperones include but are not limited to:

- ensuring that there is regular, in most cases, daily communication from the

child to parent. If feasible, this will include e-mail from the field trip site to

the parents. Please check that all children have made the required call/e-mail

home;

- consistently and without exception calling the parents in any instance, even

seemingly minor, involving the behavior or health of a student;

- keeping a comprehensive log (senior chaperone, or nurse, or both) of any and

all events involving the behavior or health of students;

- attending a mandatory chaperone review meeting held prior to all overnight

field trips to re-familiarize and re-emphasize existing policies and procedures,

including those mentioned above, and especially protocol for any “non-

standard” or unexpected event. This specific protocol will be identified with

regard to each extended field trip, keeping in mind the individual

characteristics of each, and including behavior expectations, and health and

safety standards.

At no time shall any disciplinary action violate known health or safety standards.


FREE PLAY

Free play or recess should be scheduled daily (not the same as P.E.), and must be under

the direct supervision of the classroom teacher. This time is not to be used for grading

papers or writing lesson plans. If two classes are using the field for recess, teachers

should position themselves so they can observe and assist. Consideration should be given

to the amount of available space.

Available free space for recess includes sports court, P.E. fields, areas around the Old

Rectory, Nichol’s Playground, lunch area and court yard. Please note that P.E. classes

and lunch have priority of their areas.

Please be considerate of the physical education classes that may be on the field at the

time of your recess. Escort your students on the walkway outside the fence to the far gate

and enter the field near the chickee hut.


LOST AND FOUND

Encourage children to bring items they find to the office. Lost and found articles are

periodically displayed. Parents are notified of these dates in school notices. Please

encourage parents and students to label all possessions including school uniforms.

The Lost and Found container is located outside the front office.


LUNCH TIME

Please be on time for lunch duty. Teachers are assigned on a rotating basis to supervise

the students at lunchtime.

Pre-ordered lunches will be distributed from the kitchen or area near the dance room.

Please escort your students. Lunch will be in Rantz Hall during the extreme weather in

the fall. From October to May, lunch will be in the outdoor lunch area. On rainy days

during those months, lunch is usually eaten in the classroom.

A lunch duty roster will be available to the teachers during pre-planning week. It is the

responsibility of the teachers on duty to actively supervise the students.

Children may bring their lunch from home or purchase it from the school lunch program.

Order forms are available online. If a child forgets to bring lunch, a sandwich will be

provided for the child and the parents will be billed. If there is time, allow the students to

call home and the parents can bring the child’s lunch to the office.

The Parent Handbook states that children are not to bring carbonated sodas, fast foods,

glass containers, or candy. Students may purchase milk or water when ordering their

lunches. Parents are encouraged to send nutritious foods that they know the child likes.

Please spot check occasionally to see that students are eating their lunches, especially the

younger ones.

Each student is expected to follow these rules, and respect the rights of others at

lunchtime:

a. Speak quietly;

b. Remain seated until clean up (five minutes before pick-up);

c. Restrooms are to be used before or after lunch only with permission;

d. If you need help, ask the teacher or aide in charge;

e. Clean up

- Throw trash in containers;

- Return to seat and listen for directions;

- All students are responsible for helping to clean up under and

around the lunch tables at the end of the lunch periods.

Teachers:

Must inspect under the tables to ensure all garbage has been placed in the proper

receptacles.

Teachers should assist lunchroom “servers” in anyway.

Bathroom use:

Bathroom passes or a sign-out book should be used. A designated teacher must

monitor the bathroom at all times.

There is a first aid kit and walkie-talkie available in the lunch area for

emergency use.


MEDICATION

If a child is ill or becomes ill in school, or in After School Care, please contact the Health

Room Consultant on duty until 4:00pm, so that the child can be attended to, and a parent

contacted. Emergency numbers are on file in the office. The Health Room Consultant

will determine when a child will be sent home.

If you are aware that a child has contracted chicken pox, scarlet fever, head lice, or any

other communicable disease, please notify the office.

Staff members are NEVER to dispense medication of ANY kind including over the

counter medicine - this includes Advil and Tylenol. A child is never to receive Aspirin.

When it is necessary for a child to take medication during the school day, the parent and

doctor must complete a permission form for the administration of medication.

Prescription drugs must remain in the original bottle. The medication must be kept in the

Health Room where it will be dispensed to the child by the Health Room Consultant on

duty or one of the office staff, in accordance with the doctor’s directions.

(For Authorization of Medication form, Appendix 2)


PRAYER

It is the custom at St. Thomas to say a brief prayer, or grace, before lunch. This is usually

done in the classroom before the children line-up. It may also be done at the end of the

class before lunch, especially if this is a special area class.


SEPARATED OR DIVORCED PARENTS OF STUDENTS

In the event the parents of a student are separated or divorced, they shall provide a

certified copy of any temporary or final order of the court, if any, respecting legal

custody of said student. Upon a request of the non-custodial parent, the School, absent a

proscription contained in the court order, shall have the right to furnish or provide the

non-custodial parent with copies of all status reports which are mailed home and report

cards relating to such student. In these instances, the principal shall advise the custodial

parent of the request and of the fact that such reports will be so furnished or provided.

RELEASING A CHILD TO A NON-CUSTODIAL PARENT

Many of our parents at St. Thomas amicably share the custody of their children.

Occasionally, one parent may wish to prevent the other from seeing their child or taking

him/her out of school. If there is a court order in effect, it is our responsibility to see it is

carried out to the best of our ability. A copy of the court order must be on file in the

cumulative folder and seen by the Head of School. Without a court order, we cannot be

put in the position of judging which parent is right or wrong.

If a parent asks that you not release a child to the other parent, please explain that you are

unable to do this. Teachers cannot prevent a parent from taking a child off the school

premises unless this is decreed by court. If you become aware of a situation with this

potential, discuss it immediately with one of the Administrators.


RELEASING A CHILD TO A RELATIVE OR FRIEND

Frequently parents will designate a relative or friend who will be responsible for picking

up a child after school. A form is sent home in September which asks for the names of

individuals who may be responsible for this duty. These completed forms are kept in the

office. Children are NEVER to be released to an adult without the written permission

from the parent. The authorized adult should report to the office and collect a slip which

is then in turn given to the class teacher.

If you receive a note from a parent regarding a pick-up by someone not originally

designated, please give the office/child care the original letter. A slip is still required

when the adult picks up the child. You should keep a copy of the letter on file.

No person may sign out a child if they are not on the authorization form. Siblings on the

authorization form must be at least 18 years of age.


STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM/LEARNING RESOURCE ROOM

The Student Support Team (SST) is comprised of the Director of the Learning Resource

Room, the parent of the student, the teachers of the student, the Director of Academics,

and the Associate Head of School. Initially, the teacher would meet with the Director of

the Learning Resource Room to discuss the student. When appropriate, a meeting would

be scheduled with the (SST).

The Learning Resource Room (LRC) is staffed by the Director and two Clinicians.

When the LRC is deemed necessary for the student to attend, an Individual Education

Plan (IEP) is written which is specifically designed to address the students learning

issues.


UNIFORMS

Jr. and Sr. Preschool

Boys:

Navy shorts

Red, blue, or yellow polo shirts (no white polo)

Navy sweat shirt and navy sweat pants for cold weather

Shoes**- Velcro

White socks

Cap or Hat*

Girls:

Plaid coulette shorts (no jumpers)



Shoes**- Velcro

White socks

Cap or Hat*

K-4 grade

Boys:

Navy shorts or navy long pants (no cargo style)

White polo shirt

Navy sweat shirt

Shoes**

Black belt

Cap or Hat*

Girls:

Plaid jumper

White knit polo or Peter Pan Blouse

Navy sweat shirt

Shoes**

White socks

Cap or Hat*


5th

Grade

Boys:


Red polo shirt

Navy sweat shirt*

Shoes**

Black belt

Cap or Hat*

Dress uniform:

-Navy sweater vest-crest

-Long sleeve light blue oxford cloth shirt

-St. Thomas tie

-Navy long pants (no cargo pants)

-Navy socks

-Dress penny loafers (black or cordovan)

5th

Grade

Girls:

Skort - Plaid or navy

Red polo shirt

Navy sweat shirt

Shoes**

White socks

Cap or Hat*

Dress uniform:

-Skort or jumper - plaid



-St. Thomas cross tie

-Navy knee length stockings


**Shoes or rubber sole shoes should be low cut and must be solid black or solid white

with no logo. Please, no high tops or platforms. Velcro is to be used only by

Preschool.

Printed t-shirts of any kind are NOT allowed to be worn under the uniform

shirts/blouses.

*Caps/Hats:

Baseball style caps with the St. Thomas logo are the only approved caps to be

worn. Caps are to be worn during all outdoor play including P.E., after school

sports, preschool play and any other times while outside. Sunscreen needs to be

applied daily prior to coming to school.


Acolytes: When the upper school students serve as acolytes, they are to wear

dress penny loafers (black or cordovan).

Cold Weather Attire:

The St. Thomas School sweatshirt or any solid navy blue sweatshirt, sweater or

vest may be worn. Girls may wear solid navy blue or white leggings, tights, or

form fitting leg cover under their uniforms. White turtlenecks are acceptable for

both boys and girls.

In extreme weather ski jackets of any color may be worn, but should be removed

in the classroom. For severe weather, navy blue jackets are appropriate. Sweat

pants are appropriate for junior and senior preschool students only.

Hair:

As part of the uniform code, conservative haircuts are required. Hair should not

be artificially streaked and boys’ hair must not touch the collar of their shirt. The

Head of School shall determine the acceptability of any hairstyle or accessory.

Scouts:

Scouts may wear their uniforms on the day of their meeting.

Nail Polish: No nail polish is allowed.

Jewelry: Girls will be allowed to wear only post or stud earrings. No long dangly

earrings or hoop earrings. For time awareness and management a traditional

watch (not jewelry or toy model) is appropriate. Should your child wear a chain

and religious cross, please keep in mind it may become a safety issue. A small

cross or one that can be tucked in the shirt or blouse when playing is what is

permitted to be worn. Tattoos are not allowed. Jr. and Sr. Preschool

Boys:

Navy shorts



Shoes**(Velcro only)

White socks

Cap or Hat*

Girls:

Plaid coulette shorts (no jumpers)



Shoes** (Velcro only)

White socks

Cap or Hat*


K-4th

Grade

(Please note 4th

graders also wear a dress uniform. Requirements can be

found below.)

Boys:


White polo shirt

Navy sweat shirt

Shoes**

Black belt

Cap or Hat*

Girls:

Plaid jumper

White knit polo or Peter Pan Blouse

Navy sweat shirt

Shoes**

White socks

Cap or Hat*

5th

Grade

(Please note 5th

graders also wear a dress uniform. Requirements can be

found below)

Boys:


Red polo shirt

Navy sweat shirt

Shoes**

Black belt

Cap or Hat*

Girls:

Skort - Plaid or navy

Red polo shirt

Navy sweat shirt

Shoes**

White socks

Cap or Hat*

4th

& 5th

Grade Dress uniform:

Boys:



-St. Thomas tie

-Navy long pants (no cargo pants)

-Navy socks



Girls:

-Skort- Plaid or navy (5th

grade)

-Jumper- Plaid or Skort- Plaid (4th

grade)



-St. Thomas cross tie

-Navy knee length stockings


**Shoes or rubber sole shoes must be low cut and solid black or solid white with

no logo. Please, no high tops or platforms. For Preschool – Velcro only

Printed t-shirts of any kind are NOT allowed to be worn under the uniform

shirts/blouses.

*Caps/Hats – Mandatory:

Baseball style caps with the St. Thomas logo are the only approved caps to be

worn. Caps are to be worn during all outdoor play including P.E., after school

sports, preschool play and any other times while outside. Sunscreen needs to be

applied daily prior to coming to school.

Acolytes:

When the upper school students serve as acolytes, they are to wear dress penny

loafers (black or cordovan).

Cold Weather Attire:

The St. Thomas School sweatshirt or any solid navy blue sweatshirt, sweater or

vest may be worn. Girls may wear solid navy blue or white leggings, tights, or

form fitting leg cover under their uniforms. White turtlenecks are acceptable for

both boys and girls.

In extreme weather ski jackets of any color may be worn, but should be removed

in the classroom. For severe weather, navy blue jackets are appropriate. Sweat

pants are appropriate for junior and senior preschool students only.

Hair:

As part of the uniform code, conservative haircuts are required. Boys’ hair should

not touch their shirt collar nor be in their eyes. Girls may wear bows or

headbands in the following colors: blue, red, yellow/gold, white or our uniform

plaid. These do not have to be purchased from Apple Uniform.

Scouts:

Scouts may wear their uniforms on the day of their meeting.

Nail Polish: No nail polish is allowed.


Jewelry:

Girls will be allowed to wear only post or stud earrings. No long dangly earrings

or hoop earrings. For time awareness and management a traditional watch (not

jewelry or toy model) is appropriate. A cross worn on a chain can become a

safety issue when children play. Should your child wear a chain and cross please

keep in mind it may become a safety issue. A small cross or one that can be

tucked in the shirt or blouse when playing is what is permitted to be worn.

Water Bottles:

It is mandatory for all children to have a stainless steel, aluminum, Tritan, or

other BPA free flip tops/pop up tops only water bottle everyday while in

school. It will be the child/family responsibility to label the bottle(s) and

maintain its cleanliness.

Backpacks:

Preschool

o No Backpacks

Backpacks will be used by Kindergarten, 1st, 2

nd, and 3

rd grades.

o Size=Most range 16”H x 13”W x 7 ½”D

o Price- May range from $20.00

Rolling backpacks—Only grades 4th

and 5th

will be allowed to have rolling

backpacks.

o The Zuca backpack (the one that looks like a locker) will not be

allowed. They are too big and consume too much room.

o Size- Most are 13"wide. They range from 16"-20" high and from 6"-

9" deep. Most common are 18"H x 13"W x 8"D

o Price- Range from $60.00 up

Personal identification

o Each backpack should be clearly marked with the students name and/or

initials.

o Some companies offer monogramming.

o Color: Any color is acceptable.

Documents

2013 2014 employee handbook